Why am I required to have an account in order to scan documents?

[Dedoes]

HP Smart requires HP printer users to set up an HP account in order to scan documents.  I am very unhappy that HP made this decision without offering each user the ability to opt out of HP Smart.  You can set up the printer to scan, however, I have never been able to scan from the printer.  Every time I tried to set up the printer to scan, I get error messages.  One error message is that the printer doesn't recognize my computer (desktop PC), and my printer is directly connected to my PC by cable.  Apparently, HP Smart is, or soon will be, the only option.  Like other tech companies, HP is unable to understand the consequences of its software decisions.  How can I set up my HP Officejet Printer to by-pass HP smart or to whom do I direct this question?  If I purchase another HP printer, will I be able to by-pass HP Smart in order to scan documents?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Dedoes 

You already have the account (HP Account) you would need.

Yes, you are correct:

To use the HP Smart application - at this time and for several versions since late 2020 - you must sign into the application using your HP Account. 

HP Smart is not mandatory software.

There are other options - each one provides a scan service that does not require that you sign in.

Do all of these work with a USB connection?  Likely NOT.

All the alternatives work with Windows 10 and should work with standard Wireless or Ethernet.

Not sure?  Ask about the specific program / application you are using.

Are all HP printers now and in the future able to "bypass" using HP Smart?

Not something I can answer - and speculating is not helpful to you.

What else?

You didn't include your printer model...

That said,

Most every HP OfficeJet Pro printer of recent vintage supports installing your printer's Full Feature Software (full driver) using the Easy Start wrapper.

After the software is installed, the full driver (printer software) includes HP Scan

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
2. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
3. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
4. Full driver provides print and scan functions supported by your printer.

========================================================================

Some of the scan alternatives

HP Scan and Capture

Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

 Description

HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera.  These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.

* NOTE:  The correct HP drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.

NAPS2 – “Not Another PDF Scanner”

• Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
• Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
• Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
• Read the Support pages for information
• Download, save, and install the NAPS2 software to use.

Windows Scan – Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• “Get” the application from the Store >  Windows Scan

Paint (mspaint)

• Open  Paint
• Expand the “white background” area to a size to accommodate your data.  If unknown, try 1300x1300
• File > Select “From Scanner or Camera”
• Select your printer > Follow the prompts to scan and then save your item

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

Product Home

Enter the type and name of your HP device

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