Scanner not connecting to computer

Ted Williams 0 Reputation points
2026-10-28T21:57:21.34+00:00

Cannot scan to computer. I am able to print from computer to PRINTER/SCANNER.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Print, fax, and scan
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-28T22:08:33.4833333+00:00

    Connect the HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 to the Windows 10 computer through the same Wi‑Fi network or a USB cable, because Bluetooth is not the normal Windows scanning connection for this model.

    Configure the scanner

    1. Choose Wi‑Fi or USB
      • Wi‑Fi: Connect the printer and computer to the same wireless network/SSID.
      • USB: Connect the printer directly to the computer with a USB printer cable.
      The OfficeJet Pro 8020 documentation directs Windows 10 scanning through HP Smart or HP printer software over Wi‑Fi/network or USB.^1^
    2. Install the HP software
      • Open the HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 setup page.
      • Download and install the offered HP Smart or full printer software.
      • In the software, select Add Printer and choose the 8020 detected over Wi‑Fi or USB.^2^
    3. Enable scanning to the PC if using Wi‑Fi
      • Open the installed HP printer software.
      • Locate Scan or Manage Scan to Computer.
      • Enable Scan to Computer.
      A USB installation normally enables this automatically; a network installation may require it to be enabled in the HP software.^3^

    Verify that Windows detects the scanner

    1. Select Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
    2. Select the HP OfficeJet Pro 8020, then Manage.
    3. Check the device list for an entry beginning with Scanner:.
    4. If no scanner entry appears, return to Printers & scanners, select Add a printer or scanner, wait for discovery, and add the scanner if offered.

    Windows treats the printer and scanner functions separately, so successful printing does not necessarily mean that the scan component is installed.^4^

    Once detected, search Start for Windows Scan, select the OfficeJet in the Scanner list, choose Flatbed or Feeder, and select Scan. Alternatively, scan from HP Smart.

    If HP Smart still will not open or find the scanner

    Run HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows, select the OfficeJet Pro 8020, and let it test scanner detection, drivers, and communication.^5^

    If it reports that the scan driver is missing:

    1. Remove the OfficeJet from Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
    2. Reinstall it through the HP 8020 setup software while connected by Wi‑Fi or USB.
    3. Restart Windows and verify that the Scanner: entry now appears.

    References

    1. HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 series User Guide ENWW
    2. HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 All-in-One Printer series Setup | HP® Support
    3. Scan, Scan to a computer | HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 | User Guide (Page 52)
    4. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/install-and-use-a-scanner-in-windows#install-or-add-a-network,-wireless,-or-bluetooth-scanner)
    5. HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Daphne Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 2,540 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-29T06:08:22.0033333+00:00

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed information.

    Based on your description, since you can print successfully from the computer but cannot scan to it, the connection to the multifunction printer itself is likely working. Printing and scanning are separate functions in Windows, so the device may still print even when Windows is not correctly detecting its scanner component.

    The most likely cause is that Windows is detecting the printing function of the multifunction device but not its scanner function. When Windows correctly recognizes an all-in-one device as a scanner, Scanner settings should be available for that device under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

    I recommend removing and reconnecting the multifunction device so that Windows can detect and register the scanner component again:

    1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    2. Select the affected printer/scanner, and then select Remove.
    3. If the device is connected through USB, disconnect the USB cable.
    4. Restart the computer, make sure the printer/scanner is powered on, and reconnect the device.
    5. Return to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and allow Windows to detect the device again. If necessary, select Add device.

    Windows normally detects and installs connected scanners automatically when the device is connected.

    After Windows detects the device again, open:

    Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > your printer

    Check whether Scanner settings are now displayed. For an all-in-one printer, this indicates that Windows recognizes the scanner component rather than only the printing function.

    If Scanner settings appear, try scanning a document again. If the scan completes successfully, this confirms that Windows has re-established communication with the scanner component.

    Reference: Install and use a scanner in Windows | Microsoft Support

    If you find it useful, please click Accept Answer.

    Thank you for choosing Microsoft Q&A.

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