HP Scanjet 5590 Setup and Driver Help

The HP Scanjet 5590 is a durable flatbed scanner with an automatic document feeder (ADF). It was built in an era when scanners shipped with large driver CDs, and that’s why modern setup can feel tricky—HP no longer publishes new full‑feature drivers for every current operating system. The scanner still works well, but you often need to use the right legacy driver or a compatible scanning app. This guide explains your best driver options on Windows and macOS, how to install and test scanning, and how to fix the common problems people hit with the 5590 today.

What the Scanjet 5590 Supports

The 5590 connects by USB. It uses TWAIN/WIA drivers on Windows and ICA/Image Capture drivers on macOS. The ADF can scan multi‑page stacks, and the flatbed is great for books, photos, and odd‑sized documents.

Driver Options on Windows

Your best driver path depends on your Windows version:

• Windows 7/8: HP’s full Scanjet 5590 driver package usually installs normally.
• Windows 10/11: HP may not list a native full driver. In most cases you can use a Windows 8 driver in compatibility mode or rely on built‑in WIA with a modern app.

If HP provides a package for your OS, download it from HP support and install first. If not, use the closest supported version (often Windows 8) and run the installer as administrator.

Installing a Legacy Driver on Windows 10/11

1. Download the Scanjet 5590 driver for the nearest supported OS.
2. Right‑click the installer > Properties > Compatibility, and set it to Windows 8 or Windows 7.
3. Run the installer as administrator.
4. Connect the scanner by USB only when the installer asks.
5. Reboot after install.

After installation, open Windows Scan or HP Scan and try a test scan.

Driver Options on macOS

HP’s legacy macOS drivers for the 5590 may not be supported on the newest macOS builds. Even without HP software, the scanner often works through Apple’s built‑in ICA drivers. To test:

1. Connect the scanner via USB.
2. Open Image Capture (Applications > Utilities).
3. Select HP Scanjet 5590 in the left panel.
4. Choose PDF or JPEG and scan.

If Image Capture doesn’t see the scanner, install HP’s legacy driver if available for your macOS version, or use a third‑party app like VueScan.

Recommended Scanning Apps

Modern apps can replace old HP utilities:

• Windows Scan: built‑in, supports PDF and multi‑page ADF scans.
• NAPS2: free, TWAIN/WIA, excellent for PDF workflows.
• VueScan: paid, supports many legacy HP scanners on Windows/macOS.
• Adobe Acrobat: can scan via TWAIN and OCR into searchable PDFs.

Using the ADF Correctly

Load pages face up, top edge first, within the guides. Fan the stack so pages separate cleanly. If the ADF feeds multiple pages at once, clean the rollers with a lint‑free cloth lightly dampened with water and let them dry. Replace rollers if slipping persists; wear is common on older ADFs.

Fixing “Scanner Not Found”

If the computer can’t see the 5590:

• Try a different USB port and a short, good‑quality cable.
• Avoid USB hubs during setup.
• Reboot both scanner and computer.
• On Windows, confirm Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) is running.
• On macOS, reset the printing/scanning system if the scanner doesn’t appear.

Fixing Blank Scans or Streaks

Blank scans usually come from wrong source selection or a dirty calibration area. Make sure you select Flatbed or ADF correctly in your app. Clean the scanner glass and the ADF strip. If streaks persist, run the scanner’s calibration (some apps call it “cleaning” or “auto‑calibrate”).

Scanning to PDF and OCR

For archiving documents, scan at 300 dpi in grayscale and save as PDF. If you need searchable text, run OCR in Acrobat, Google Drive, or NAPS2. The Scanjet 5590 produces clean text scans that OCR well when the glass is clean.

When Hardware May Be Failing

Loud grinding, repeated ADF jams after roller cleaning, or a lamp that never lights can indicate failing hardware. Replacement parts for the 5590 are limited, so consider a modern scanner if these symptoms persist.

Quick Checklist

• Install HP legacy drivers where available; use compatibility mode on Windows 10/11.
• Test scanning in Windows Scan or Image Capture on macOS.
• Use NAPS2 or VueScan for modern PDF workflows.
• Clean flatbed glass and ADF strip; clean rollers for feed issues.
• Check WIA/ICA services if the scanner isn’t detected.

With the right driver path and a modern scanning app, the HP Scanjet 5590 can still be a reliable document scanner today.