If you suddenly find the HP Smart App installed on your Windows 11, or Windows 10 device, then you should know that Windows just downloaded and installed the app for you without any warning, in a situation Microsoft calls an issue.
The issue prompts Microsoft Store on Windows devices to automatically download and install the app, even if there are no HP printers connected to the Windows 11, or Windows 10 devices.
The Redmond-based tech giant has acknowledged the problem, but just as it acknowledged the Copilot issue where the AI tool makes a mess out of the Windows desktops when used on devices connected to multiple monitors, the company has no solution for now.
We are investigating this issue and will provide an update when more information is available. If you need support for this issue, go to https://support.microsoft.com/contactus, and select Windows.
Microsoft
How to know if your Windows device is dealing with the HP Smart App issue?
Microsoft states that are are some symptoms Windows users should be aware of, which would make them easily identify the issue and take action.
Per Microsoft’s findings, these symptoms include:
- Some Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices are installing the HP Smart App.
- Printers are renamed as HP printers regardless of their manufacturer. Most are being named as the HP LaserJet M101-M106 model. Printer icons might also be changed.
- Double-clicking on a printer displays the on-screen error “No tasks are available for this page” .
These are all the affected devices:
- Client: Windows 11, version 23H2; Windows 11, version 22H2; Windows 11, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 22H2; Windows 10, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10, version 1607; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB
- Server: Windows Server 2022; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012
However, according to Microsoft, Windows 11, and Windows 10 devices that don’t have access to Microsoft Store should not be affected by this issue at all. Neither will the printing processes, so those relying on printers should now worry.
Printing processes are not expected to be affected by this issue. It should be possible to queue printing jobs as usual, as well as other features such as copying or scanning. Printers on the device will continue to use the expected drivers for printer operations.
Microsoft
It can get confusing, and the installation of an app on a Windows device without the owner’s explicit consent is also not recommended. Microsoft is looking to solve this issue as soon as possible, and it will release a fix for it in the following days or weeks.
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