Easily Set Up Scan to Network Folder for Your HP Printer

Setting up the Scan to Network Folder feature on your HP printer can significantly streamline your workflow, allowing you to directly save scanned documents to a shared folder on your network. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to configure this feature using HP Smart in Windows 10, ensuring a smooth and efficient scanning process. If you’ve been struggling with how to Scan Hp Printer documents directly to a network folder, this tutorial will simplify the process.

Step 1: Create a Dedicated Scan User Account in Windows 10

For enhanced security and streamlined access, setting up a separate Windows user account specifically for scanning is recommended. Here’s how to create one:

1. Access Settings: Open the Windows Settings app from the Start Menu.
2. Navigate to Accounts: Click on Accounts.
3. Go to Family & Other Users: Select Family & other users from the left sidebar.
4. Add a New User: Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC.
5. “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”: In the Microsoft account setup window, click the link that says I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
6. “Add a user without a Microsoft account”: Next, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
7. Set User Details:
   • Username: Enter a descriptive username. Using a name like “ScanUser” or “[YourName]Scan” will help you easily identify this account later.
   • Password: Create a strong password for this user. Remember this password as you will need it for the HP Smart setup.
   • Security Questions: Set up security questions and answers for password recovery.
8. Complete Setup: Click Next to finish creating the new user account.

You have now established a dedicated user profile that will be specifically used for your HP printer’s scan to network folder functionality.

Step 2: Create and Share Your Scan Folder

Next, you need to create the folder where your scanned documents will be saved and share it with the newly created scan user.

1. Create a New Folder: Navigate to the location where you want to save your scans (e.g., Documents, a specific drive). Right-click, select New, and then Folder. Name the folder appropriately, such as “HP Scans”.

2. Open Folder Properties: Right-click on the newly created folder and select Properties.

3. Access Sharing Tab: In the Properties window, click on the Sharing tab.

4. Advanced Sharing: Click on Advanced Sharing….

5. Share This Folder: Check the box labeled Share this folder.

6. Apply Advanced Sharing: Click OK in the Advanced Sharing window.

7. Share Permissions: Back in the main Sharing tab, click on Share….

8. Add Scan User: In the window to choose people to share with, click the dropdown menu and find the scan user you created in Step 1. Select the user and click Add.

9. Set Permissions: Ensure the permission level for the scan user is set to Read/Write. This allows the printer to both save scans to and potentially read from the folder if necessary for certain printer functionalities.

10. Share the Folder: Click Share at the bottom of the window.

11. Note Network Path: After sharing is complete, take note of the Network path displayed. It will look something like \computernameHP Scans. You will need this path for the HP Smart setup. Click Done.

Step 3: Configure HP Smart for Scan to Network Folder

With the folder shared and user account set up, you can now configure your HP printer using the HP Smart application.

1. Open HP Smart: Launch the HP Smart application on your Windows 10 computer.
2. Access Printer Settings: Click on the image of your printer to access printer settings.
3. Navigate to Advanced Settings: Look for and click on Advanced Settings. This might be located in different places depending on your HP Smart version, but generally is found on the left-hand menu or within printer tools.
4. Go to Scan Settings: In Advanced Settings, find and click on the Scan option at the top.
5. Scan to Network Folder: On the left-hand side, locate and click the + sign next to Scan to Network Folder. Then, click Network Folder Setup.
6. Add New Network Folder: In the Network Folder Setup area, click on the person icon with a + symbol (representing New).
7. Network Folder Setup – Step 1:
   • Folder Name: Enter a name for this network folder as you want it to appear on your printer’s control panel (e.g., “My Scans”).
   • Network Path: Paste or enter the Network Path you noted down in Step 2 (e.g., \computernameHP Scans).
   • Click Next.
8. Network Folder Setup – Step 2:
   • Authentication: Select Always use the following credentials.
   • Username & Password: Enter the Username and Password of the scan user account you created in Step 1.
   • Security PIN: If you don’t want to use a PIN for scanning, clear any entries in the Security PIN field.
   • Click Next.
9. Scan Settings: Configure your preferred default scan settings (resolution, file type, etc.) or leave them at the defaults.
10. Save and Test: Click Save and Test. This will test the connection to the network folder using the credentials you provided.

If the test is successful, you should now see the newly configured network folder option on your HP printer’s scan menu. You can now scan hp printer documents directly to the designated network folder, streamlining your document management process.

This setup, while initially detailed, provides a robust and secure way to utilize the scan to network folder feature on your HP printer. By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your scanned documents and enhance your productivity.

For further assistance, you can refer to the official HP support document: HP Printers – Scan to Network Folder (Windows)