Why is everything so complicated?

Question

Why is everything so complicated?

GUY DRENNAN 0

I just want to use my HP printer without signing up for an additional service. The scanner is not recognized. I have an up-to-date laptop and a new printer. Printing is fine. I just tried to make a scan. Suddenly I am sent through twenty pages of facts about Protected printing from Microsoft. How do I enable the scanner on my HP printer?

EmilyS726 264.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-04T03:04:12.4266667+00:00

Windows typically can recognize printer automatically, but not scanner. So it will need the HP software/scanner driver in order for Windows to recognize it as a scanner and add it.

In order to help you find the HP scanner driver, I need to know your printer/scanner model number.

As for signing up for something? That's not a Microsoft requirement. That sounds more like an HP thing. I know they do have some sort of ink/toner subscription plan. That's an HP thing that you might need to contact HP support to learn more about those.

1 answer

Your answer

EmilyS726 264.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-04T03:04:12.4266667+00:00

Windows typically can recognize printer automatically, but not scanner. So it will need the HP software/scanner driver in order for Windows to recognize it as a scanner and add it.

In order to help you find the HP scanner driver, I need to know your printer/scanner model number.

As for signing up for something? That's not a Microsoft requirement. That sounds more like an HP thing. I know they do have some sort of ink/toner subscription plan. That's an HP thing that you might need to contact HP support to learn more about those.

Answer 1

If printing works but the scanner is not recognized, the supported Windows steps are:

Run the printer troubleshooter.
- In Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer, then More devices and printer settings.
- Right-click the printer and select Troubleshoot.
- Follow the wizard.
Remove and reinstall the printer.
- Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer and choose Remove.
- Then select Add device next to Add a printer or scanner and follow the prompts.
- This can re-register the device in Windows.
Update or reinstall the printer driver.
- Open Start > Device Manager.
- Expand Printers.
- Right-click the printer and select Update driver.
- If no update is available, select Uninstall device, restart the PC, and let Windows reinstall the driver.
If Windows protected print mode is enabled, check scanner compatibility.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Scroll to Printer Preferences.
- Under Windows protected print mode, select Turn Off.
- If the setting is enforced by group policy, an administrator must disable it.
- In protected print mode, if a device has a scanner and is not Mopria certified, only printing functionality is available.
If Office apps are where the problem appears, update Office and Windows.
- In an Office app, select File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
- Microsoft also recommends running Microsoft Update.

If the printer still prints but scanning remains unavailable after reinstalling the device and driver, the remaining guidance in the provided material is to use the printer manufacturer’s updated software/driver package or contact HP support, because scanner support can depend on the manufacturer’s driver and device compatibility.