I cannot scan from my PC but can scan from front panel to Windows Fax and Scan

[ascot2]

Printing is working fine from two PC's.  When I try to scan, I get this message:-

"Scanning is unavailable. Select return home"

I have followed online HP advice, i e reboot PC, reboot printer/ even reboot the Smart Hub. Nothing has helped

Perhaps removing the HP app from my Dell PC and downloading it again will fix it?

I have observed that opening HP Smart is now very slow. Also selecting "scan"

Thank you.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @ascot2,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand you're encountering the "Scanning is unavailable. Select return home to help you fix your “Scanning is unavailable. Select Return Home” error, especially since printing works fine from both PCs, but scanning fails, and HP Smart opens slowly. You’re definitely not alone. This happens when HP Smart, Windows services, or the scanner driver stop communicating properly with the printer. We’ll fix this step‑by‑step.

STEP 1: Restart the Windows Scanning Services

This fixes scanning more often than reinstalling HP Smart.

1. Press Windows Key + R

Type:

services.msc

2. Find these services:

• Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
• HP Print and Scan Doctor Service (if present)
• Function Discovery Provider Host
• Function Discovery Resource Publication

3. For each:

• Right‑click → Restart
• Make sure Startup Type = Automatic

If WIA is frozen, scanning will start working immediately.

STEP 2: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Very Important)

This tool repairs:

• Scanner drivers
• WIA failures
• Network scanner communication
• HP Smart stuck states

👉 Download

Run it → Choose your printer → Click Fix Scanning.

If the app seems to hang or take la ong time during “checking device,” that confirms a scanner driver problem.

STEP 3: Remove & Reinstall HP Smart (Yes, this may help)

A corrupted HP Smart install can cause the exact slow‑opening and “Scanning unavailable” error you’re seeing.

✔ Remove HP Smart:

Windows Settings → Apps → HP Smart → Uninstall

✔ Restart the PC

✔ Reinstall HP Smart:

When HP Smart first opens after reinstall, it often fixes the scanning call library (HPScan.dll) automatically.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat