Scans from my study scanner show on screen as "could harm your computer

[Johnp1948]

Since changing from a Win 10 to a Win 11 computer when I scan with my 9025 all in one printer and utilise HP Smart App for the process when I go to my file explorer to preview scan with Adobe in the preview window I have message "The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer." This does not happen if I use 2 alternative scanning apps I have loaded only on the HP app

Any thoughts would be appreciated

[Raj_05]

Hi @Johnp1948,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The issue you're experiencing seems to be related to Windows 11's security features, which might incorrectly flag scanned files as potentially harmful when viewed in the preview pane of File Explorer. This can happen due to the way the files are handled or the settings of the security software on your device. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue.

Update HP App:

• Ensure that you have the latest version of the HP App installed on your Windows 11 computer. You can check for updates through the Microsoft Store.

Update Adobe Acrobat:

• Make sure that your Adobe Acrobat or PDF viewer is updated to the latest version, as updates can often resolve compatibility issues with new operating systems.

Check Security Software Settings:

• Examine the settings of your security software (e.g., Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus software). Look for settings related to file scanning and exclusions, and ensure that your scanned files or the HP App are not being flagged improperly.

Modify File Explorer Settings:

• You might want to disable the preview pane temporarily in File Explorer to avoid preview errors: In File Explorer, go to the "View" tab and uncheck "Preview pane."

Use Alternative Viewing Methods:

• If the issue persists, consider using other methods to open PDF files, such as directly opening them with Adobe Acrobat instead of using the preview pane in File Explorer.

By trying these solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue and safely preview your scanned documents without security alerts.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

[Johnp1948]

Thank you for your thoughts, I have managed to work out a fix by accident

I first enquired to HP why HP downloads did not offer my printer and scanner software that was the same as I previously had on my redundant Win 10 machine. I was advised the HP app was the only way to do scanning on Win 11 and was pretty angry as my opinion of the app is not printable here

In desperation I went back into HP website why trying to check drivers were up to date, within this process I was advised to download further software, this software was the one I previoulsly used on my Win 10 machine

Once downloaded all my problems vanished. I took great delight removing the rubbish HP app

John 

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Thanks for sharing your experience so clearly—and I completely understand the frustration you felt during that transition. It’s great to hear that you found a working solution by reinstalling the original scanning software you used on Windows 10. That kind of persistence and intuition makes all the difference.

Windows 11’s security layers can sometimes misinterpret file handling behaviors, especially with apps that package scans differently. Your workaround not only restored functionality but also confirmed that the issue wasn’t with the scanned files themselves—it was how the HP App processed and labeled them.

If you ever need help comparing HP software options or navigating compatibility across OS versions, I’ll be here to support you with clear, actionable guidance. 

You’ve done everything right by staying curious and determined.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Johnp1948]

Many thanks for your reply Hawks_Eye I will keep a note for future jest in case

Kind regards Johnp1948