can i use my hp m234dwe printer without the hp smart app? i just want to scan to my computer

Diagnosis

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dwe is designed as an "HP+" enabled device, which means the firmware is aggressively optimized to push users toward the HP Smart app and an active cloud account for basic operations. When you attempt to scan without the app, you are encountering a software barrier where the printer expects a cloud-based handshake to trigger the scan-to-computer function. Essentially, the "Scan" button on the physical control panel is programmed to trigger an HP Smart cloud event rather than a local TWAIN or WSD scan. To bypass this, you must shift from a "Push" scan (initiating from the printer) to a "Pull" scan (initiating from the computer). Because the printer has a built-in Embedded Web Server (EWS), it remains a network-capable device regardless of the app. You can confirm the printer is reachable by pinging its IP address or accessing its internal web page, which proves the hardware is capable of transmitting data to your PC without the HP Smart intermediary.

How to Fix It

To scan to your computer without using the HP Smart app, you will use the Windows Scan and Fax utility or the native Windows Scan app via the printer's IP address.

1. Locate the IP Address: On the printer control panel, press the Information button (i). The printer will print a configuration page. Look for the "IPv4 Address" (e.g., 192.168.1.15).
2. Access the EWS: Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) and type that exact IP address into the address bar. If you see a "Your connection is not private" warning, click "Advanced" and then "Proceed to [IP Address] (unsafe)." This is normal for local network devices.
3. Enable Webscan: Once in the EWS, go to the "Settings" tab, select "Security," and then "Administrator Settings." Ensure that "Webscan" or "Scan to Computer" is enabled. Save the changes.
4. Install the Basic Driver: Go to the Windows "Printers & Scanners" menu. Click "Add a device." When the M234dwe appears, select it. If Windows asks for a driver, select "HP LaserJet Pro M234" from the list of generic drivers rather than the "HP Smart" installation package.
5. Execute the Scan: Open the "Windows Scan" app (downloadable for free from the Microsoft Store) or "Windows Fax and Scan." Select the M234dwe as the source and click "Scan." This pulls the image directly from the printer's memory to your hard drive, bypassing the cloud entirely.

If That Didn't Work

• Assign a Static IP: If the printer loses connection, it is likely because your router changed the IP address via DHCP. In the EWS "Network" tab, change the IP assignment from "Automatic/DHCP" to "Manual/Static." This ensures your computer always knows exactly where to find the scanner.
• Use the HP Scan and Capture App: If the native Windows Scan app fails, download "HP Scan and Capture" from the Microsoft Store. This is a lightweight, legacy-style application that uses the TWAIN driver and does not require an HP account or the full HP Smart ecosystem to function.
• Check Firewall Permissions: Your Windows Defender or third-party firewall (like Norton or McAfee) may be blocking the port used for scanning (typically UDP 161 or TCP 445). Go to Firewall settings and create an "Inbound Rule" to allow all traffic from the printer's specific static IP address.
• Disable "HP+ " Features: If you have not yet registered the printer with an email, do not do so. Once a printer is enrolled in HP+, certain local-only driver functions are permanently disabled in favor of the cloud. If already enrolled, you must rely on the EWS Webscan method described above.

Heads Up

• Avoid the "Easy Start" Installer: When adding the printer, avoid using the "HP Easy Start" software, as this is simply a wrapper that forces you to install the HP Smart app. Use the "Add Device" function in Windows Settings instead.
• Webscan Limitations: Scanning via the EWS (Webscan) is excellent for occasional documents, but it saves files to your browser's temporary cache. Always "Save As" immediately to avoid losing the scan.
• Firmware Updates: Be aware that HP frequently pushes automatic firmware updates to "e" series printers. An update may occasionally reset your EWS settings or disable certain local scanning ports.
• Paper Feed Maintenance: To prevent scan streaks, use a lint-free cloth with a drop of isopropyl alcohol to clean the narrow strip of glass under the scanner lid; the M234dwe is prone to accumulating dust on the edge of the platen.