• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Seize the moment! nominate yourself or a tech enthusiast you admire & join the HP Community Experts!
Common problems HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan
We would like to share some of the most frequently asked questions about HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to Scan.
HP Recommended

My laptop is set up to my HP printer but the printer won't scan to my laptop

 

2 REPLIES 2
HP Recommended

Hi @oconnep.

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

When a printer refuses to scan, it can feel frustrating, almost like the device is right there, connected, but silently refusing to cooperate. Let’s walk through the steps together and get your printer talking to your laptop again.

Step‑by‑Step Fix: Printer Won’t Scan to Laptop

1. Restart the “connection trio”

Sometimes the connection simply gets confused.

  1. Turn off your printer
  2. Restart your laptop
  3. Power off your Wi‑Fi router for 10 seconds
  4. Turn everything back on

➡️ This refresh often clears hidden scan‑communication issues.

2. Make sure HP Smart is installed (or updated)

HP Smart is the brain that handles scanning on Windows/macOS.

👉 Download or update HP Smart

After opening HP Smart:

  • Click Scan → Scanner
  • If it fails: continue below.

 

3. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows only)

This tool automatically diagnoses and repairs scan failures.

👉 Download HP Print and Scan Doctor

Run it and choose:

  • Printer
  • Fix Scanning

It feels almost magical, like watching the printer and laptop “shake hands” again.

4. Re‑add the printer (important!)

Sometimes a stale connection blocks scanning (even if printing works).

Windows:

  1. Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
  2. Select your printer → Remove
  3. Click Add device to reinstall

Mac:

  1. System Settings → Printers & Scanners
  2. Select your printer → Remove Printer
  3. Add it again using the AirPrint or HP Smart option

 

5. Check the HP Scan Service

Windows:

  1. Press Win + R, type: services.msc
  2. Look for: 
    • HP Network Devices Support
    • HP Print Scan Doctor Service
  3. Make sure their status says Running

If stopped → Right‑click → Start

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

HP Recommended

Hi @oconnep.
 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.