How to Fix HP Printer Scanner Not Working on Windows 11?

HP printers are widely used for home and office printing, scanning, and copying. However, many users face issues where the HP printer scanner is not working on Windows 11. This problem can occur due to outdated drivers, incorrect settings, connection errors, Windows updates, or software conflicts.

What Causes HP Printer Scanner Not Working on Windows 11?

Before applying fixes, it’s important to understand the possible causes:

Outdated or corrupted HP printer drivers
Windows 11 update conflicts
Scanner service disabled in Windows
HP Smart app not installed or not activated
Network connectivity issues
Firewall or antivirus blocking scanning
Incorrect printer setup or login issues

Identifying the root cause makes troubleshooting easier and faster.

Restart Printer and Windows 11 PC

Sometimes the issue is temporary.

Turn off your HP printer.
Unplug it from power for 2 minutes.
Restart your Windows 11 computer.
Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
Try scanning again using the HP Smart app or Windows Scan.

If the scanner still does not work, proceed with the next steps.

Check HP Printer Connection

For USB Connection:

Ensure the USB cable is securely connected.
Try a different USB port.
Avoid using USB hubs.

For Wireless Connection:

Ensure printer and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Restart your router.
Reconnect the printer using Wireless Setup from the printer control panel.

Network misconfiguration is one of the most common causes of HP scanner issues.

Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers on Windows 11

Outdated drivers often cause scanner problems.

Step 1: Uninstall Existing Driver

Open Device Manager.
Locate your HP printer under Printers or Imaging Devices.
Right-click and select Uninstall device.
Restart your computer.

Step 2: Download and Install Latest HP Driver

Go to HP official support.
Search your printer model.
Download the latest Windows 11 compatible driver.
Install the driver and restart your PC.

After installation, test the scanner again.

Install or Update HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is required for scanning on many HP printer models.

Open Microsoft Store.
Search for HP Smart.
Install or update the app.
Open the app and sign in with your HP account.

If you do not have an account, create one by signing up using your email.

HP Printer Login, Signup, and Activation Setup

To use full scanning features:

Open HP Smart.
Click Sign In.
Enter your HP account credentials.
If new user, select Create Account and complete signup.
Add your printer.
Follow on-screen instructions to activate the printer.

Activation ensures your printer is properly registered and connected to HP services.

Enable Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

The scanner depends on this Windows service.

Press Windows + R.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
Right-click and select Properties.
Set Startup type to Automatic.
Click Start if service is stopped.
Click Apply and OK.

Restart your PC and try scanning again.

Run Windows 11 Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooting tool.

Go to Settings.
Click System.
Select Troubleshoot.
Click Other troubleshooters.
Run Printer Troubleshooter.

This tool automatically detects and fixes common scanning issues.

Check Scanner Permissions in Windows 11

Windows 11 privacy settings can block scanner access.

Open Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security.
Click Camera and Microphone (if applicable).
Ensure apps are allowed to access devices.
Also check App permissions for HP Smart.

Grant necessary permissions and retry scanning.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software can block scanning features.

Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall.
Turn off third-party antivirus.
Test scanner again.

If it works, add HP Smart and printer software to the firewall exception list.

Reset HP Printer

If nothing works, reset the printer:

Turn printer on.
Disconnect power cable.
Wait 60 seconds.
Reconnect cable and turn printer back on.

Reconfigure wireless settings and try scanning again.

Update Windows 11

Sometimes Windows updates fix compatibility issues.

Go to Settings.
Click Windows Update.
Select Check for updates.
Install available updates.
Restart your system.

Keeping Windows updated ensures better device compatibility.

HP Customer Support and Service Options

If the scanner is still not working, contact HP customer support:

Use HP Smart app support section.
Visit HP official support website.
Chat with HP virtual assistant.
Schedule repair or service appointment.
Check warranty status.

Professional service may be required if the scanner hardware is defective.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues

If the problem continues:

Perform clean boot in Windows 11.
Create a new Windows user profile.
Reinstall Windows printing services.
Use HP Print and Scan Doctor tool.
Check BIOS updates (advanced users).

These advanced steps help resolve deeper system conflicts.

How to Prevent HP Scanner Issues in Future

Keep printer drivers updated.
Regularly update Windows 11.
Maintain stable Wi-Fi connection.
Use genuine HP ink cartridges.
Restart printer occasionally.
Avoid installing conflicting printer software.

Preventive maintenance reduces future scanning problems.

Conclusion

Fixing HP printer scanner not working on Windows 11 requires checking drivers, updating software, verifying services, configuring login and activation settings, and troubleshooting network connections. Most issues are resolved by reinstalling drivers, updating the HP Smart app, or enabling the Windows Image Acquisition service.