Issue with the "HP Smart" app being installed automatically on Windows 10/Win11

Microsoft has announced that there is a bug in some environments where the "HP Smart (for HP printers)" app is being installed automatically on Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Printer names and icons might be changed and HP Smart app automatically installs

It seems that the software may be installed automatically even if you are using a printer other than an HP printer, such as a Canon printer, but I was unable to confirm this with the Brother printer (DCP-J572N) that I use.

In affected environments, the update will be automatically installed when apps are updated via the Microsoft Store, regardless of the printer manufacturer.

After that, the printer name will be "HP LaserJet M101-M106will be changed to "Model".

The icons may also change.

Additionally, when double-clicking on the printer (shortcut?), an error may appear on the screen saying "There are no tasks available for this page."

However, this issue does not affect the use (printing) of the printer itself.

Microsoft says it is currently investigating the issue and will provide an update as more information becomes available.

There is currently no specific solution, so you can either wait for a while for Microsoft to resolve the issue (recommended), or disable automatic updates for apps in the Microsoft Store and then uninstall the "HP Smart" app (if possible).

How to disable automatic updates for Microsoft Store apps | How to update manually

"Programs and Features" and "Installed Apps (Apps and Features)"

If the "HP Smart" app does not appear in "Installed apps (Apps and features)," you may be able to remove it using the method on the following page.

How to remove and install Windows Store apps using commands on Win10/Win11

2023 / 12 / 19:

Microsoft has released the "Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool" to fix this issue.

• This tool will check your printer information. It will restore previously downloaded model information and icons from printers that do not match this name and model. HP LaserJet M101-M106 The model information, icons, and application associations are removed.
• If inappropriate metadata is found, you do not have an HP printer or HP printer driver installed, and the application was installed after November 25, 2023, the tool will notify you. Smart Uninstall the application.

Microsoft

Download and run the "Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool" from the following page to fix the issue:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=105763

There are four types of files, so please select and download the file that suits your environment.

• PrintMetadataTroubleshooterArm32.exe
• PrintMetadataTroubleshooterArm64.exe
• PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX64.exe
• PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX86.exe

If you're not sure which files to download, try downloading them all and running them one by one.

If it doesn't fit your PC, it won't run.

*Administrator privileges are required to run the program. Right-click on the file and select "Run as administrator."

Even if you run the file, it will immediately exit, so if you want to check whether it ran, open the command prompt as an administrator.

Learn how to open a command prompt

1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.

2. Type "cmd".

3.Shift + Ctrl + Enter Please press.

If you do not need administrator privileges, just press Enter.

4. When the "User Account Control" message appears, click "Yes".

Once the command prompt opens, copy the path of the folder where the downloaded file is saved.

Type "cd /d" (with a space after /d) into the command prompt, then press Ctrl + V to paste the path and press Enter.

If the path is "E:\Downloads" it will look like this:

Enter the downloaded file name, for example "PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX64.exe", and press Enter to display the execution results.

If resolved, you will see a message that the troubleshooter completed successfully, while unaffected PCs will see the message "Troubleshooter not applicable since metadata package not found."