saving a scan as editable text on a new Windows 11 laptop

[PrettyMama]

My scans no longer have the option to save as editable text on my new Windows 11 laptop. The universal scan driver is not available for my new laptop. The hpscan.ext file did not solve the problem.  I removed and reinstalled the full feature software pack with no results. Does anyone have any new suggestions that can make scans editable on a new Windows 11 laptop? 

[Dragon-Fur]

@PrettyMama 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Short Answer

You'll need to find, purchase, obtain some OCR software for your use.

OCR Scan Software – Examples

Best OCR software of 2023

Well written and easy to read / comprehend

Introduction to OCR and Searchable PDFs: An Introduction to OCR 

2022

11 Best OCR Software of 2022 (Free and Paid Tools)

7 best OCR software for Windows 10/11 [2022 Guide] 

Longer Answer

True -- The embedded OCR software was removed from some printer's software in mid 2022.

No, we were not told why -- I suspect the removal was due to licensing issues or some kind of incompatibility.

?

Other printers have never had OCR (and do not have it now).

True -- The Universal Scan Software is both printer model and Operating System / version dependent. 

What?  Not every printer supports the software.

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References / Resources

HP Universal Scan Software - Model and Operating System version Dependent >> HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software adds OCR libraries to installed HP Scan software. HPUS installs a new, full featured, (and separate) HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop. Note: When supported, HPUS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature printer software.

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / Install  <<<

HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

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

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HP OfficeJet 6958 All-in-One Printer  

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[PrettyMama]

Thanks for the advice. I was able to install the OCR scan software onto my new laptop from the old CD that came with my printer. It's an older printer but still works well. The older version of the software is not perfect but works ok. I have to stop it from updating to the new version that removes the OCR software. I will look into the software you mentioned. The OCR software was probably removed to encourage customers to purchase additional software to edit scans. A scan can still be saved as a PDF which can be converted to a Microsoft office 365 file and edited. This requires a costly yearly subscription. I believe adobe also sells pricey software to edit files. Since I spent a bundle on a new laptop, I am hoping to avoid another expense for something that I already had. I do have to be careful of some of the free software as many include lots of advertisements and trackers. Thanks for the information.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@PrettyMama 

You are welcome.

True - using an older working version of the driver is one of the solutions that generally works, at least in the short term.

There is every reason to use whatever works.

True - Using OCR freeware includes an element of risk.

Where else to look...

You can, if you can find a driver site you trust, look for the software online.  Again, yes -- there is an element of risk.  

What else?

Check your old system's archives and backups -- at some point it is likely you have downloaded and saved the printer software installation package.   Anything you downloaded and saved before about March - May 2022 can be considered and would normally still include the OCR software.

Check the old system's backups for the Downloads folder or where ever you tend to save downloaded content.

Web Pack installation packages might be identified as an executable file type that begins with either "Full_Webpack" or "HPEasyStart"

Happy Scanning.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"