Scanning is a core function of any all-in-one HP printer, but it’s not always obvious how to get that scanned image or document from your printer onto your computer.
This guide will cover the easiest and most reliable methods for both Windows and Mac users. But first, there is one crucial prerequisite: unlike basic printing, scanning always requires specific software or drivers to be installed. Before you begin, you must ensure you have the correct software, which we cover in our guide to HP Printer Drivers and Software.
Before You Scan – The 1-Minute Setup Check
Completing these two checks will prevent 90% of scanning failures.
- Check Your Connection: Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If you’re not using Wi-Fi, make sure it is securely connected with a USB cable.
- Check Your Software: Confirm that you have either the HP Smart app (from the Microsoft or Mac App Store) or the “Full Feature Software” from the HP website installed. A basic driver that just lets you print will not be enough to enable scanning.
Method 1 – Scan with the HP Smart App (The Recommended Method)
This is HP’s modern, all-in-one solution for Windows 10/11 and macOS. It is the simplest and most reliable way to scan.
- Open the HP Smart app. If you don’t have it, download it for free from the Microsoft or Mac App Store.
- Load your document. Place your page face-down on the scanner glass (flatbed) or face-up in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) tray on top of the printer.
- From the app’s home screen, click the “Scan” tile.
- Adjust your settings. A new window will appear. Here you can choose your Source (Flatbed or Document Feeder), Resolution (300 DPI is good for documents), Color (Color or Grayscale), and file type (PDF or JPEG).
- Click the “Scan” button.
- To add more pages, use the “Add Page” (+) icon in the corner. This is how you create a single, multi-page PDF.
- When finished, click “Save” or “Share” and choose a location on your computer.
If the app is glitchy, won’t find your printer, or crashes, see our guide on [INTERNAL LINK: troubleshooting-hp-smart-app].
Method 2 – Scan with Built-in OS Tools (Windows and Mac)
If you don’t want to use the HP Smart app, your computer’s operating system has built-in tools that can work, if the basic driver is installed.
On Windows (Windows Scan)
- Go to the Start menu and search for “Windows Scan.” If you don’t have it, it’s a free app from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the app. It should automatically detect your HP printer.
- Choose your Source (Flatbed or Feeder) and File Type (PDF, JPEG, etc.).
- Click “Scan” and the file will save to your “Scans” folder.
On macOS (Image Capture)
- Open “Image Capture” (you can find it in your “Applications” folder or by searching with Spotlight).
- Select your HP printer from the device list on the left.
- In the settings, choose where to “Scan To” (e.g., your Desktop) and the Format (PDF, JPEG, etc.).
- Click the “Scan” button.
Method 3 – Fix the “Scan to Computer” Button on Your Printer
This is the most common scanning complaint: “I press the ‘Scan to Computer’ button on my printer’s touchscreen, but nothing happens” or “it says ‘computer not found’.”
This feature does not work out of the box. It must be “enabled” by installing HP’s “Full Feature Software and Driver” package. The HP Smart App alone will not enable this button.
How to Fix It:
- You must go to the official HP Support website.
- Enter your printer model and download the full software package, often called “Full Feature Software and Driver.”
- Run the installer. During the setup process, a utility will run that asks you to “Enable Scan to Computer.” You must check this box and complete the setup.
This entire process relies on having the right software. For a full breakdown, see our guide: HP Printer Drivers and Software.
Flatbed vs. ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)
It’s important to know which to use:
- Flatbed (Scanner Glass): Use this for single pages, photos, thick items (like a book or ID card), or delicate documents.
- ADF (Top Tray): Use this to scan a stack of multiple, standard-sized pages in one batch.
You must select the correct “Source” (Flatbed or ADF) in your scanning software before you click “Scan.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is “Scan to Computer” not working? A: You need to install the “Full Feature Software and Driver” package from the HP website, not just the HP Smart app. During that installation, you must “enable” the feature. If you’ve done this and it’s still not working, restart your printer and computer.
Q: How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF file? A: You have two options:
- Place all your pages in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and select “PDF” as your file type.
- Place one page at a time on the flatbed and use the “Add Page” (+) icon in the HP Smart app before you click “Save.”
Q: Why can’t my computer find my scanner? A: This is a driver or connection issue.
- Make sure your printer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your PC.
- Run the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” (a free tool for Windows).
- Reinstall your software using our HP Printer Drivers and Software guide.
Q: Can I scan from my printer to my email? A: Yes. The easiest way is to use Method 1 (HP Smart App). After scanning the document, use the “Share” button. This will let you attach the scan directly to a new email in your computer’s default mail app.
Scanning to a computer is easy once you have the right software. The HP Smart App is the simplest and most recommended method for most users. If you want to enable the “Scan to Computer” button on your printer’s screen, you must install the “Full Feature Software” from the HP website.
If you’re still having trouble with basic connections or your printer is showing as “offline,” it may be time to revisit your initial HP Printer Setup Guide. For model-specific features, always refer to the official HP user manuals for your printer.