Scanning function locks app after saving scanned document

[darkerthanamber]

Using an HP Office Jet Pro 6978, after scanning a document then selecting SAVE, the SAVE function window partially opens and is dark except for the small save document window, the app is locked.  But it does allow me to save the scanned document.  Once the document is saved, the app has to be closed, then reopened.

[Meghana_10]

Hello @darkerthanamber, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. 

Since your HP Officejet Pro 6978 successfully scans and allows the document to be saved, but the HP scanning app becomes dark and unresponsive immediately after saving, the problem is most likely related to the scanning application's interface rather than the scanner itself.
 

The good news is that your scans are being created successfully the issue is occurring after the Save window appears and prevents the app from returning to the normal screen.
 

Fix the HP scanning app freezing after saving

1. Repair or reset the HP app

A damaged app installation or corrupted user settings can cause the Save dialog to leave a dark overlay on the screen.

• Open Windows Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Find HP or HP Smart.
• Select Advanced options.
• Click Repair first and test scanning again.
• If the issue continues, return to the same screen and select Reset.

Repair preserves the app installation, while Reset restores the application's default settings.

2. Change the scan save location

Sometimes the Save window can become stuck when the destination folder is a cloud-synced or network location.

Before saving your next scan:

• Choose Save As.
• Select a simple local folder such as Desktop or Documents.
• Save the scanned file and check whether the app returns to normal.

This helps determine whether the issue is related to the destination folder rather than the scanner.

3. Reinstall the HP scanning software

If Repair and Reset do not resolve the freezing behavior, reinstalling the HP software can replace corrupted program files.

• Uninstall the HP app/HP Smart from Windows.
• Restart your computer.
• Download and install the latest HP software for the HP Officejet Pro 6978.
• Add the printer again and test the scan-and-save process.
• A clean installation often resolves interface issues that persist after app updates. HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

Alternative scanning method

• If you need to continue scanning while troubleshooting the HP app, try using Windows Scan or the traditional HP Scan utility included with the full-feature HP software.
• If scans save normally in another application, that strongly suggests the printer and scanner are functioning correctly, and the issue is isolated to the HP app's Save interface.

After repairing, resetting, or reinstalling the scanning software, the Save window should close normally after the document is saved, allowing you to continue scanning without having to close and reopen the application each time.
 

If the problem continues, please let me know:

• Which operating system are you using (Windows 10 or Windows 11)?
• Are you scanning with the HP app (formerly HP Smart) or the HP Scan desktop software?

Please check the link for more information on the scan feature - How to scan with an HP printer | HP® Support

User guide - h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05139126.pdf
 

Have a great day!