HP Smart App automatic download isn't caused by HP, but Microsoft doesn't know where it comes from yet

Microsoft says those affected should uninstall the app.

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by Flavius Floare 

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HP Smart App

A few days ago we reported that Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices are suddenly automatically downloading and installing the HP Smart App. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and the Redmond-based tech giant said it’s working on a solution that will be released in the following updates.

However, the tech giant said that it’s not HP, the company behind the app, that is causing the issue. This means that recent updates for the HP Smart App are not one behind the problem.

In the blog post covering this specific issue, Microsoft says the issue doesn’t affect HP printers or Windows devices connected to them, from completing their printing tasks. However, organizations that use Windows devices but are connected to other manufacturer printer apps might not work when the HP Smart App is running.

Note: Our investigations indicate that this issue is not caused by an HP update. In most cases, it should be possible to use the printer as expected, including queueing printing jobs, as well as other features such as copy, scan, or fax. Printers on the device will continue to use the expected drivers for printer operations. However, this issue might affect associations with other manufacturer-supplied printer apps used to extend basic printer capabilities. If this is the case, some or all of those extended functions might not work.

Microsoft

It seems that Microsoft has fixed this issue and you can learn more about it in our Empowering users: Microsoft’s troubleshooter tackles HP Smart App issues article.

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:

  1. Some Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices are installing the HP Smart App.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 LTSBWindows HP Smart App
  • ​Server: Windows Server 2022; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012

The best solution that partially takes care of the problem, is to simply uninstall the HP Smart App on every Windows device it exists currently, especially if it wasn’t there before.

That should fix the problem for now.

More about the topics: windows 10, Windows 11

Flavius Floare

Flavius Floare Shield

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling. He's always curious and ready to take on everything new in the tech world, covering Microsoft's products on a daily basis. The passion for gaming and hardware feeds his journalistic approach, making him a great researcher and news writer that's always ready to bring you the bleeding edge!