set different printer as default printer and scannner

[Clayliner]

I have an HP Photosmart 4500 series printer which no longer prints as it always thinks it's out of paper, even when it's loaded (why?? - any ideas welcome) and an HP Envy 6000 series which prints fine.

I'd like to set the Photosmart as my default scanner (via USB to my W11 PC) and the Envy as my default printer (from PC via WiFi).

How can I do this (without resetting my default device each time I use the different functions!), please?

[Meghana_10]

Hello @Clayliner, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

You can use the HP Photosmart 4500 series for scanning over USB and keep the HP ENVY 6000 series as your default printer over Wi-Fi. You do not need to change the Windows default printer every time you want to scan.

Why the Photosmart says "Out of paper"

The scanning and paper-feed problems are separate. The “Out of paper” message does not necessarily mean the printer's paper sensor is defective. HP lists several possible causes for paper-feed problems, including paper condition, obstructions, incorrect loading, paper settings, and dust or residue on the paper-feed rollers.
 

Before assuming the rollers need replacing, try:
 

1. Remove the paper from the tray.
2. Check the tray and paper path for small pieces of paper or other obstructions.
3. Reload a small stack of clean, unused paper.
4. Make sure the paper guides are positioned correctly without pressing tightly against the stack.
5. Perform a printer reset by disconnecting the power cord while the printer is on, unplugging it from the wall, waiting at least 15 seconds, and reconnecting it.
6. If the printer has a paper-feed/roller cleaning utility, use that rather than applying cleaning chemicals directly to the rollers.
7. If it still reports Out of Paper, try printing a printer self-test or internal report, if that option is available on your particular Photosmart model. If the printer cannot feed even that page, the problem is with the printer's paper-feed path rather than the Windows print settings.
    

1. Set the HP ENVY 6000 as your permanent default printer

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Under Printer preferences, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.
3. Select your HP ENVY 6000 series.
4. Select Set as default.
5. With Windows managing the default printer turned off, the ENVY will remain your selected default printer instead of Windows changing it to the last printer you used.

2. Install the Photosmart as a scanner

1. Connect the HP Photosmart 4500 series to the Windows 11 PC by USB and turn it on.
2. Then check:
3. Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
4. If the Photosmart is detected as a scanner, Windows should show a Scanner settings option when you select the device. If it is not detected, use Add device under the printer/scanner section and allow Windows to search for the USB scanner.

3. Select the Photosmart when you want to scan

1. You can use the Windows Scan app:
2. Open Start and search for Windows Scan.
3. Open the Scan app.
4. In the Scanner drop-down menu, select the HP Photosmart 4500 series.
5. Select the appropriate source, such as Flatbed.
6. Place your document on the scanner glass and select Scan.
7. Microsoft specifically supports selecting the desired scanner from this drop-down, so using the Photosmart for scanning does not change your default printer from the ENVY.
8. If you normally scan with HP software instead, select the Photosmart as the scanning device there as well.

Have a great day!