Trying to scan document

[DesiRB]

Can't scan a document. Printer is connected to my laptop but printer says, "I need to use HP software on my computer to set up first"  says

[Dragon-Fur]

@DesiRB 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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@DesiRB wrote:

Product: HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless All-in-One

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11

Can't scan a document.

Printer is connected to my laptop but printer says, "I need to use HP software on my computer to set up first"  says

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If the printer is actually "connected to the computer", for example, using a USB printer cable, then Yes -- you are going to need an application or software that can tolerate this type of connection.

For example,

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HP App -- Windows 

HP Smart (legacy) and HP App both do poorly in a USB only environment.

At the least either of these applications need a Wi-Fi Direct (limited wireless) connection.

Reference

 User Guide - HP Smart Tank Plus 650 series

 Section Connect wirelessly to the printer without a router (Wi-Fi Direct) - Page 113

-- What about HP App? --

At some point, perhaps even now, HP Smart will no longer be available in the  Microsoft Store  .

There are at least two possible consequences to this:

• Were there a version fix for the reported HP Smart "Scan - Save - Off-Center" bug, it can be more difficult to actually obtain a fixed version of the HP Smart app.
• Any constant request to update HP Smart is perhaps because the app cannot be updated through the conventional means.   There are caveats to that comment, none of which matter in context.

-- Watch – HP App – Introduction --

 HP Support Videos – HP App - What happened to HP Smart? | Use the new HP app 

 10 chapters

 Expand the area that describes the application – read the first sentences and click “More”

 Samples

 Print, Scan, Fax, Save – Minute 1:15

 Account Information and Print Dashboard – Minute 1:30

 Get Help – Minute 2:02

 Select “Use AI Search” – Minute 2:08

 EWS (Embedded Web Server) – Minute 2:21 > Printer Settings > View all > Advanced (opens EWS)

 Reminders

• If asked enter the printer’s PIN number – The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).

 And

• “Advanced” / EWS can also be opened using your Browser:   Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Scan using the HP App | HP printers | HP Support

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix unavailable features in the HP app | HP printers | HP Support

⇶  HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix a “Scanning Unavailable” error in the HP app | HP printers | HP Sup...

Example - HP App - Main Menu / Printer Menu & Options

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Printer - Full Driver Printer Software

HP Scan -- part of the full driver printer software -- tolerates and works within a USB workspace or using full Wireless of Wi-Fi Direct.

Software and Drivers for HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless All-in-One  

Set / Adjust the Operating System to Windows / Windows 11

The full driver is available in the "Easy Start" wrappers.

Use the one that works --

→ Hint →  The "Offline" only installation can be used for a network connected or a USB connected environment.  Be sure to unplug the USB cable between the printer and the computer before loading the software.  Re-connect the USB cable when instructed to do so, generally near the end of the successful installation of the printer software. 

Restart the computer after the software is installed.

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HP Universal Scan Software

<< Printer Model and Operating System version Dependent >>

When the software is installed, HP Universal Scan Software adds a self-named HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note:

Where supported, HPUSS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature / full solution printer software.

 HP Universal Scan Software – Product Page

Open website  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software 

Select an Operating System and Version

Select Open-all to expand the driver list

Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack 

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

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Microsoft / Windows Scan

Windows Scan -- already installed in your Windows 11 OS or available at the  Microsoft Store

This simple but robust scan application provides basic scan operation.

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Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless All-in-One

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