How to Scan Multiple Photos Quickly with Your HP Printer

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If you’re trying to scan photos with your HP printer and find that HP Smart or the HP App isn’t recognizing your photos correctly, don’t worry. These apps are mainly designed for printing and basic scanning, and they might not support some of the more advanced photo detection features you need. Here’s a simple guide to fix this problem based on your printer model.

First, identify which type of HP OfficeJet 8120e you have — the Pro or the plain (not-Pro) model. The Pro version comes with a full driver software package that makes scanning easier, while the plain model uses a universal printing driver that’s primarily meant for printing.

If you own the Pro model, the best solution is to install the full driver software. Here’s how:

1. Visit the HP support page for your printer model and download the full driver installation package.
2. Save the file, then run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Restart your computer after installation.
4. Open HP Scan from your programs or start menu; it allows you to easily detect and scan your photos. When scanning multiple photos, make sure to space them about an inch apart on the flatbed. This helps the software identify each photo’s edges correctly.
5. When scanning, choose to detect photos or content to make the process smoother. Adjust the resolution and file size options as needed.
6. Save your scanned photos to your preferred destination, such as a cloud account or folder.

If your printer is the plain, non-Pro version, unfortunately, the simple app may not support advanced photo detection. Instead, you should install the full driver package as described above, which includes HP Scan with this feature.

For both models, if you encounter issues installing or if you want the latest software, you can use the Web Pack installation method:

1. Go to the support webpage for your specific printer series.
2. Download the “EasyStart” installer.
3. During setup, connect your printer via USB only when prompted — disconnect the cable before beginning the installation, then connect near the end.
4. After installation, restart your computer to ensure everything is set up properly.

Using the full driver software gives you more control over scanning, especially for multiple photos. It also offers additional options like saving scans directly to the cloud or creating custom scan shortcuts.

For best results, always keep your printer’s software up to date and make sure your Windows system has the latest updates installed before installing drivers.

If you want to make your scanning process even easier, explore HP’s video tutorials and support resources. These can guide you through specific steps with visual aid, making the whole process simpler.

By following these steps, you should be able to scan your photos with greater accuracy and ease. Don’t forget to check the specific requirements for your printer model and choose the appropriate software setup. Good luck!