HP Smart vs Full Software and Drivers: Which Do You Need?

Published October 16, 2026 - by the hpsmart.cc editorial team

When you set up an HP printer on a computer, HP may offer you two different routes: the HP app (which replaced HP Smart) from your device's app store, or a model-specific software and driver package from HP's support site. They overlap, but they are not the same, and choosing the wrong one is behind many "my printer works but I cannot scan" and "do I really need this app?" questions. This guide explains what each one is, when you need it and when you do not.

What the HP app is

The HP app is HP's free app for printers and, now, HP computers too. According to HP's HP app page, it combines features from HP Smart and myHP, is downloaded from your device's app store (Microsoft Store on Windows, App Store on Mac, iPhone and iPad, Google Play on Android), and runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) or 11, macOS, and Apple and Android phones and tablets. HP also says the HP Smart app itself is no longer available for download.

In practice the app handles printer setup on the network, printing, scanning, ink and paper level tracking, printer settings and maintenance, and HP account features. HP says you do not need an HP account to use the app, but signing in is required for full functionality, and internet access is required. See our HP Smart vs HP app comparison for what changed in the move from HP Smart.

What "full software and drivers" means

On HP Customer Support, each printer model has a software and drivers page. For many models it offers a full feature package, which installs the print driver along with HP's own software for that printer (on many Windows models this includes scanning software), and sometimes a basic driver that installs printing only. Which packages appear depends on the model and your operating system, and for some newer models the support page points you to the HP app instead.

HP's printer setup guide gives a clear rule for when the package matters: if the app cannot install drivers, download the full driver package for your model from HP's support site, install it, then add the printer through your operating system's printer settings.

Built-in drivers: the third option

Windows 10 and 11 and macOS can print to many network printers with no HP download at all, using drivers built into the operating system. On a Mac, current HP printers usually appear in System Settings > Printers & Scanners and work with AirPrint. On Windows, Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device often finds and installs a network printer automatically. Built-in drivers cover everyday printing well but may not expose every printer feature, maintenance tools or scanning shortcuts.

Side-by-side comparison

	HP app	Full software and drivers	Built-in OS driver
Where it comes from	App store (Microsoft Store, App Store, Google Play)	HP Customer Support, per model	Windows or macOS
Devices	Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android	Windows and Mac computers	Windows and Mac computers
Printing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scanning	Yes, from printer or phone camera	Often, depending on model	Often, through OS tools
Ink levels and alerts	Yes	Varies by model	Basic, if any
First-time Wi-Fi setup of a new printer	Yes, guided	Some packages	No
HP account features (for example HP+)	Yes	No	No
Needs internet	Yes	For download only	No

Is the HP app necessary?

For everyday printing from a computer or phone, usually not. Once a printer is on your network, built-in drivers, AirPrint on Apple devices and Android's built-in printing can handle most print jobs (see our guide to printing from your phone). The app becomes necessary, or at least much easier, in these cases:

First-time setup of a new wireless printer, especially models without a touchscreen, where the app sends your Wi-Fi details to the printer.
HP+ printers. HP states that HP+ requires an HP account, an ongoing internet connection and Original HP ink for the life of the printer. The account side of that is managed through the app.
Scanning from a phone, or scanning on a computer where no scan software is installed (see our scanning guide).
Printer maintenance and status, such as ink levels, alerts, firmware updates and printer settings.

Which should you choose?

Home user with a phone and a laptop: use the HP app for setup and scanning; print from other apps as normal.
Windows PC where the app will not install or open: try the fixes in HP Smart app not working, then use the full feature package from HP Customer Support for your model.
Office or managed computers: the full or basic driver package, or the operating system's built-in driver, is often preferred because it does not depend on a store app or an account.
Mac: the Mac App Store listing "HP: Print and Support" is HP's app route. Older guides mention other HP installers; check your model's page on HP Customer Support to see which options HP still lists.

Whatever you choose, download HP software only from HP's own sites or the official app stores. Third-party "driver download" sites can bundle unwanted software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HP Smart and full software and drivers?

HP Smart, now the HP app, is a store app for setup, printing, scanning and printer status on computers and phones. The full software and driver package is a model-specific download from HP Customer Support that installs the print driver and HP software on a computer.

Is the HP app necessary to print?

Usually not. Once the printer is on your network, Windows, macOS, AirPrint and Android printing can handle everyday printing. The app is most useful for first-time setup, scanning, HP+ and printer maintenance.

Should I install both the HP app and the full driver?

You can. Many people use the HP app for setup and scanning and the full driver for printing on a computer. If the app cannot install the driver, HP suggests downloading the full driver package for your model.

Where do I download HP full feature software?

From the software and drivers page for your printer model on HP Customer Support at support.hp.com. Avoid third-party driver download sites.

Does HP Smart replace printer drivers?

Not entirely. The app can set up the printer and install what your computer needs on many models, but the model-specific driver packages on HP Customer Support remain the fallback when the app cannot.

Sources

Related guides on this site: install the HP app, HP Smart vs HP app, printer not found fixes and where to download it.