How to Fix HP Printer Scanner Not Working After Network Update?

HP printers are known for their reliable printing and scanning capabilities. However, after a network update—such as changing your Wi-Fi router, updating network settings, or installing a new firmware update—you may find that your HP printer scanner stops working. This issue usually occurs due to connection changes, driver conflicts, or disabled scanning services.

Fortunately, this problem can be resolved with proper troubleshooting, updating software, and configuring your HP printer settings correctly.

Understanding Why HP Printer Scanner Stops Working After Network Update

When your network changes, your printer may lose communication with your computer or scanning software. Scanning requires proper network connectivity, correct drivers, and enabled services.

Common causes include:

Printer connected to old or incorrect network
IP address change after router update
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers
HP scanning services disabled
Firewall or antivirus blocking scanner communication
HP software not properly installed or activated

Identifying the cause is the first step to restoring scanning functionality.

HP Printer Login and Signup for Scanner Services

HP printers require proper account login and setup to enable full scanning features, especially when using HP Smart or cloud scanning services.

Steps to Login to HP Printer Account

Open the HP Smart application on your computer
Click on Sign In
Enter your HP account email and password
Select your printer from the dashboard
Confirm that scanning features are enabled

Steps to Create HP Account (Signup)

If you do not have an HP account:

Open HP Smart app
Click Create Account
Enter your name, email, and password
Verify your email address
Login and register your printer

Creating and logging into your HP account ensures scanner activation and connectivity.

Download and Install HP Printer Scanner Drivers

Network updates can make existing drivers incompatible. Installing the latest drivers restores scanning functionality.

Steps to Download HP Scanner Drivers

Open your computer settings
Go to Devices and Printers
Remove the existing HP printer
Restart your computer
Install the latest HP printer software
Follow on-screen instructions to complete setup

Updated drivers help your system detect and communicate with the scanner properly.

Install and Configure HP Smart Software

HP Smart software is essential for scanning, printer management, and troubleshooting.

Steps to Install HP Smart

Download HP Smart application
Install and open the software
Sign in to your HP account
Click Add Printer
Select your printer from available devices
Complete setup process

Once installed, use HP Smart to test scanning functionality.

Activate HP Printer Scanner After Network Update

After installing drivers and software, you must activate scanning services.

Steps to Activate Scanner

Open HP Smart
Select your printer
Click Scan option
Choose scan settings
Perform test scan

If scanning works, the scanner is successfully activated.

Reconnect HP Printer to Updated Network

Network updates often assign a new IP address to your printer, which can break scanner communication.

Steps to Reconnect Printer to Wi-Fi

Go to printer control panel
Open Network Settings
Select Wireless Setup Wizard
Choose your Wi-Fi network
Enter Wi-Fi password
Confirm connection

After reconnecting, restart your printer and computer.

Fix HP Scanner Not Working Using HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a diagnostic tool to fix scanning problems automatically.

Steps to Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

Open HP Print and Scan Doctor
Select your printer
Click Fix Scanning
Follow troubleshooting instructions
Apply recommended fixes

This tool resolves most scanner connectivity issues.

Update HP Printer Firmware and Software

Firmware updates ensure compatibility with network and system updates.

Steps to Update Firmware

Open HP Smart
Select your printer
Go to Advanced Settings
Click Printer Update
Install available updates
Restart printer

Updated firmware improves scanner performance.

Check Windows Scanner Services

Scanner services must be enabled for scanning to work.

Steps to Enable Services

Press Windows + R
Type services.msc
Locate Windows Image Acquisition
Right-click and select Start
Set startup type to Automatic

Restart your system after enabling services.

Fix Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Scanner

Security software may block scanner communication after network updates.

Steps to Fix

Open Firewall settings
Allow HP software through firewall
Disable antivirus temporarily
Test scanner functionality
Enable antivirus after testing

This ensures uninterrupted scanner communication.

Troubleshoot HP Printer Scanner Connection Issues

If scanner still does not work, try these troubleshooting methods:

Restart printer and computer
Reinstall HP printer software
Check network connection stability
Assign static IP address to printer
Ensure printer and computer are on same network
Reset printer network settings

These steps resolve most scanner issues after network updates.

Reset HP Printer Network Settings

Resetting network settings restores default connectivity.

Steps to Reset Network

Open printer control panel
Go to Network Settings
Select Restore Network Defaults
Reconnect printer to Wi-Fi
Reinstall printer software

This removes network conflicts.

Contact HP Customer Support for Scanner Issues

If scanner problems persist, HP support can assist with advanced troubleshooting.

Customer support helps with:

Scanner activation problems
Driver installation issues
Network connectivity errors
Software configuration
Hardware diagnosis

Support ensures complete resolution of scanner issues.

Prevent HP Scanner Issues After Network Updates

Follow these tips to avoid scanner problems in future:

Keep printer drivers updated
Use HP Smart software regularly
Maintain stable network connection
Avoid frequent network changes
Update firmware regularly
Restart printer after updates

Preventive maintenance ensures smooth scanner performance.

Conclusion

HP printer scanner not working after a network update is a common issue caused by connectivity changes, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. By logging into your HP account, reinstalling drivers, reconnecting to the network, activating scanning services, and updating firmware, you can restore scanner functionality.