Do You Need HP Smart for Printing on Windows 11 HP Laptops?

Many users are confused about whether they need to use HP Smart when printing on their Windows 11 HP laptops. The answer is straightforward—you do not need to use HP Smart for printing. While HP Smart is a useful tool for managing your printer, scanning documents, and accessing additional features, you can also print directly from any application that supports printing.

Alternative Printing Methods

How to Print Directly Without HP Smart: If you want to print without using HP Smart, follow these steps to set up your printer properly:

Connect Your Printer: Ensure your printer is connected to your laptop via USB or Wi-Fi. If you're connecting via Wi-Fi, make sure to turn on the printer and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your laptop. Install the Print Driver: If the drivers are not already installed, you can find and install them from the HP website. The drivers are free and do not require any personal information to download. Test the Connection: Open a document in an application that supports printing, such as Microsoft Word or a web browser, and use the standard print dialog to print the document. Make sure your printer appears in the list of available printers. Print Your Document: Once everything is set up, you can directly print your document without needing to open HP Smart.

Features of HP Smart

HP Smart is an app developed by HP to provide an easy-to-use interface for managing your printer. It includes features like scanning, copying, and additional functionalities. However, these features are optional and do not affect your ability to print:

Scanning: You can still scan a document using the buttons on the printer and send it to your computer directly. Copying: You can copy files by pressing the buttons on the printer. Email Access: HP prompts for your email address to access certain printer functions, but this is optional and not required for printing.

HP's push for email access is more about their data collection practices, which may prompt users to sign up for services or provide personal information. However, the print driver remains a straightforward and free utility that does not require any personal data.

Conclusion

While HP Smart offers a convenient interface for managing your printer and additional features, you do not need to use it to print. You can connect your printer, install the necessary drivers, and print from any application that supports printing. The print driver is free and does not require any personal information, making it an essential component for any printer setup.

My Personal Opinion: While I recommend using HP Smart for its convenience, it is not necessary for printing. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but using HP Smart will likely streamline your printer management process.