The biggest complaint about HP scanning software is that you have to reset the settings (DPI, Color, Duplex) every time you open it.
The only criticism of v38 is that it hides legacy settings (like resolution DPI) behind an "Advanced" drop-down. Power users initially complained. However, HP released a firmware patch in October 2024 that allows users to pin the legacy toolbar.
Pro tip: Right-click the "Scan" button in v38 to toggle "Expert Mode."
Use the HP Smart App on your iPhone or Android. hp smart document scan software 38 better
Usability testing indicated that version 3.5 and earlier confused operators with nested menus. Version 3.8 introduces a reimagined UI focused on Profile-Centric Workflows.
Even great software has glitches. Here is the #1 fix for the rare issues in v38:
To get the better performance you are looking for, follow this three-step reset protocol: The biggest complaint about HP scanning software is
Step 1: The Clean Sweep Uninstall your current HP software. Do not just delete the shortcut. Go to "Add or Remove Programs" and uninstall everything related to HP. Then, use the HP Print and Scan Doctor (a free utility) to scrub the remaining drivers.
Step 2: The Service Reset
Go to Windows Services (services.msc). Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA). Restart this service. This resets the image acquisition pipeline that HP Smart relies on.
Step 3: The Fresh Install Download the latest version of HP Smart directly from the Microsoft Store (Windows 10/11) or the App Store (Mac). Do not use an old installation CD. This eliminates the "38" error in 99% of cases. The only criticism of v38 is that it
Once you have fixed the error, you are ready to upgrade your workflow to an experience that is genuinely 38 times better.
The most tangible improvement in 3.8 is the overhaul of the image processing engine. Previous versions relied on static thresholding for black-and-white conversion, often resulting in lost detail on low-contrast documents.