HP printers are known for their reliable printing and scanning features, but sometimes users may experience scanning issues after installing a firmware update. Firmware updates are designed to improve printer performance, security, and compatibility, but they can occasionally cause unexpected problems, such as the scanner not working properly. This issue may occur due to driver incompatibility, software conflicts, incorrect settings, or connection problems.
If your HP printer scanner stopped working after a firmware update, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to restore scanning functionality.
What Causes HP Printer Scanner Not Working After Firmware Update?
Firmware updates change the internal software of your printer, which can affect communication between the printer and your computer or mobile device. Some common causes include:
Driver Compatibility Issues
After a firmware update, your existing printer drivers may become outdated or incompatible. This can prevent the scanner from functioning correctly.
Connection Problems
Firmware updates may reset network settings, causing your printer to disconnect from Wi-Fi or USB connections, which affects scanning.
HP Software Configuration Errors
HP printer software such as HP Smart or scanning utilities may require reconfiguration after firmware updates.
Scanner Service Disabled
Certain system services required for scanning may stop working or become disabled during firmware installation.
Corrupted Printer Settings
Firmware updates may reset or corrupt scanner-related settings, preventing proper operation.
Signs Your HP Printer Scanner Is Not Working
You may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Scanner not detected by computer
- Scan option missing in HP printer software
- Error message when trying to scan
- Scanner not responding
- Unable to scan to email or folder
- HP Smart app not recognizing scanner
These issues typically occur immediately after installing a firmware update.
How to Fix HP Printer Scanner Not Working After Firmware Update
Follow these step-by-step solutions to fix the scanning problem.
Restart Printer and Computer
Restarting both devices refreshes the system and resolves temporary glitches.
Steps:
- Turn off the HP printer
- Disconnect the power cable
- Wait for 60 seconds
- Restart your computer
- Reconnect and turn on the printer
Try scanning again after restart.
Check Printer Connection
Ensure your printer is properly connected to your device.
For Wi-Fi Connection:
- Make sure printer and computer are on the same network
- Reconnect printer to Wi-Fi using Wireless Setup Wizard
- Restart router if necessary
For USB Connection:
- Disconnect and reconnect USB cable
- Try a different USB port
Stable connection is essential for scanning functionality.
Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers
Firmware updates often require updated drivers to function properly.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager on your computer
- Locate your HP printer
- Right-click and select Update Driver
- Install the latest driver version
If updating does not work:
- Uninstall the printer driver
- Restart your computer
- Reinstall the latest HP printer driver
This ensures compatibility between firmware and scanner.
Update HP Printer Software
HP scanning features depend on printer software such as HP Smart or HP Scan.
Steps:
- Open HP printer software
- Check for software updates
- Install available updates
- Restart computer
Updated software improves scanner compatibility.
Enable Windows Scan Services
Scanning requires certain Windows services to run properly.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
- Right-click and select Start
- Set Startup Type to Automatic
This enables scanner communication.
Remove and Re-Add the Printer
Removing and reinstalling the printer refreshes configuration settings.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Select Devices and Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Click Remove Device
- Restart computer
- Add printer again
This resolves firmware-related configuration conflicts.
Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
HP provides a diagnostic tool that automatically detects and fixes scanning issues.
Steps:
- Open HP Print and Scan Doctor
- Select your printer
- Click Fix Scanning
The tool will repair driver and scanner problems automatically.
Check Scanner Settings in HP Software
Firmware updates may reset scan settings.
Steps:
- Open HP Smart or HP Scan
- Select your printer
- Choose Scan option
- Configure scan preferences
Ensure scanner is enabled and properly configured.
How to Download and Install HP Printer Scanner Software
Proper scanner software installation is essential after firmware updates.
Download Scanner Software
Steps:
- Visit HP support page
- Enter your printer model
- Select your operating system
- Download full feature driver and software
Install Scanner Software
Steps:
- Open downloaded file
- Follow installation instructions
- Connect printer when prompted
- Complete setup
This restores full scanning functionality.
How to Activate HP Printer Scanner Features
Once installed, activate scanner features properly.
Steps:
- Open HP Smart app
- Sign in to your HP account
- Add your printer
- Enable scan features
- Perform test scan
Activation ensures proper scanner access.
HP Printer Scanner Troubleshooting Tips
Use these additional tips to prevent scanner problems:
Keep Firmware Updated Carefully
Install firmware updates only when necessary and ensure compatibility.
Update Drivers Regularly
Always use the latest printer drivers.
Check Network Stability
Ensure stable internet and Wi-Fi connection.
Restart Devices Periodically
Regular restarts improve printer performance.
Avoid Interrupted Firmware Updates
Do not turn off printer during firmware installation.
When to Contact HP Customer Support
If scanner still does not work after troubleshooting, contact HP support.
Support can help with:
- Firmware troubleshooting
- Driver installation assistance
- Scanner configuration help
- Hardware diagnostics
- Software activation issues
HP support technicians can identify and resolve advanced problems.
Benefits of Fixing HP Printer Scanner Issues Properly
Resolving scanner issues ensures:
Full Printer Functionality
You can print, scan, and copy without interruption.
Improved Productivity
Scanning documents becomes fast and reliable.
Better Software Compatibility
Updated drivers and software improve performance.
Extended Printer Lifespan
Proper maintenance keeps printer working efficiently.
Conclusion
Firmware updates are important for improving HP printer performance, but they can sometimes cause scanner issues due to driver incompatibility, connection problems, or software conflicts. Fortunately, most scanner problems can be resolved by restarting devices, updating drivers, reinstalling printer software, enabling scanner services, and reconfiguring settings.
By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly fix HP printer scanner not working after firmware update and restore full scanning functionality. Regular maintenance, proper software installation, and timely troubleshooting will ensure your HP printer continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.
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