The HP Smart app is designed to let you manage your HP printer. Whether you want to print, scan, or check ink levels in detail, it’s got you fully covered. Notably, the app features a neat user interface and offers full-on customization for a more personalized experience. However, the app is not perfect in all aspects and does run into frustrating issues such as crashing, freezing, and sluggishness. In this in-depth guide, I’m going to discuss the 14 reliable ways to fix the HP Smart app not working on Windows 11. Read on to…
Fix HP Smart App Not Working on Windows 11
What causes the HP Smart app to malfunction? Well, the app tends to ill-function due to a number of factors such as a poor internet connection, software glitches, and corrupted cache. Besides, there are other equally problematic culprits that make this app misbehave.
- Outdated App
- Corrupt Cache
- Driver Issues
- Network Problems
- Background Interference
- Windows Updates
- Corrupt Installation
- Firewall Restrictions
Thankfully, there are various effective solutions to resolve the problem and restore the full functionality of the app.
1. Restart Your PC
Note that the background processes or temporary glitches in Windows can cause apps like HP Smart to crash or become unresponsive. Restarting your PC clears the RAM, stops unnecessary processes, and refreshes system resources, which may resolve minor software hiccups.
- To get it done, click the Start Menu > select Power in the menu on your PC.
- After that, choose Restart and wait for your PC to reboot.
- Then, open the HP Smart app again and check if the issue is fixed.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
It’s worth pointing out that the HP Smart app requires a stable internet connection, especially for features like cloud printing and accessing online printer services. A weak or disconnected network could prevent the app from functioning properly.
- To do so, click the Network icon in the taskbar and ensure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in.
- Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and try using the HP Smart app.
3. Update the HP Smart App
Keep in mind that the outdated app versions may contain bugs or compatibility issues with Windows 11. Updating the HP Smart app to the latest version can resolve such problems and improve performance.
- To begin with, launch the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- After that, click on the Library tab in the lower-left corner.
- Now, select Get Updates and install any pending updates for the HP Smart app.
4. Reinstall the HP Smart App
If the app files are corrupted, reinstalling the HP Smart app can resolve deeper software problems. This will give you a fresh installation with the latest features and bug fixes.
- Open the Settings app on your PC by pressing Windows + I > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Then, search for HP Smart.
- Now, click the three-dot menu next to it and choose Uninstall.
- Open the Microsoft Store, search for HP Smart, and reinstall the app.
5. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix issues with Microsoft Store apps like HP Smart. This is useful for resolving app crashes, freezing, or failure to launch.
- On your PC, launch the Settings app on your Windows 11 device > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
- Next up, scroll down, click Run next to Windows Store Apps, and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Check for Windows Updates
At times, app compatibility issues arise due to an outdated Windows version. Installing the latest Windows updates ensures your system is equipped with the latest security patches, drivers, and bug fixes.
- To update your PC, go to the Settings app > Windows Update.
- Now, click Check for Updates and install any pending updates.
- Restart your PC if required and try launching the HP Smart app.
7. Clear the HP Smart App Cache
Corrupted cache files can prevent the HP Smart app from loading properly. Clearing the cache removes these files and allows the app to rebuild fresh, error-free data.
- In order to clean up the corrupted cache, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
- Open the HP Smart folder and delete all files inside it to clear the cache.
8. Reset the HP Smart App
Resetting the HP Smart app restores it to its default settings, which can resolve deeper configuration issues causing the app to malfunction.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your PC > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find HP Smart, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced Options.
- Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm the action if prompted.
9. Verify Printer Connection
The HP Smart app may not work if your printer isn’t connected properly. Ensuring the printer is online and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC can resolve communication issues.
- Check that your HP printer is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Open the HP Smart app and use the Printer Setup option to reconnect your printer if needed.
10. Disable VPN or Proxy
VPNs or proxy connections can interfere with the HP Smart app’s ability to connect to HP servers. Disabling these temporarily can help resolve connectivity problems.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows device > head over to Network & Internet.
- Now, choose VPN.
- Turn off any active VPN connection.
- If you use a proxy, navigate to Proxy settings and disable it.
11. Check Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can prevent the HP Smart app from detecting your printer. Updating the drivers ensures compatibility and improves performance.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Printers section, right-click your HP printer, and choose Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
12. Disable Firewall or Antivirus (Temporarily)
Your firewall or antivirus software may mistakenly block the HP Smart app’s access to the internet. Temporarily disabling these can help identify if they are causing the issue.
- Fire up the Settings app > go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- Click Firewall & Network Protection and turn off the firewall temporarily.
- Re-enable it after checking if the HP Smart app works.
13. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup apps, helping you identify if third-party software is causing the HP Smart app to malfunction.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, and disable unnecessary startup apps.
- Restart your PC and check if the app works in clean boot mode.
14. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
HP offers a dedicated troubleshooting tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor, which can diagnose and fix common printing and scanning issues.
- Download the tool from HP’s official website and run it on your PC.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix printer-related problems.
And that’s about it! By following these solutions, you can effectively troubleshoot issues with the HP Smart app on Windows 11, ensuring smooth operation for printing, scanning, and more.
