Windows 11 installs HP Smart app without your permission and renames your printers, confirms Microsoft
If your PC has access to the Microsoft Store, you may have the HP Smart app installed without your permission.
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What you need to know
Somehow, printers still cause issues in 2023. A recently confirmed issue in Windows 11 and Windows 10 causes the HP Smart app to install on some systems without permission. Additionally, a related issue renames printers from any manufacturer as HP printers. An updateMicrosoft support pageoutlines the problems, though there isn’t a fix available at this time.
Reports of theHP Smart app installing on PCs without permissionfirst appeared last month. They have since been confirmed by Microsoft. The tech giant shared a list of related issues:
Despite the issues, printing shouldn’t be affected. Your printer may have been renamed against your wishes, but it should still work.
Microsoft notes that only PCs with access to the Microsoft Store are affected by these issues. Many organizations disable access to the Microsoft Store, so the bugs shouldn’t affect as many professional users as personal users.
While Microsoft has confirmed the issue, the company does not have a fix for the bug at this time. Microsoft is investigating the problem and will share an update when it becomes available.
The following platforms are affected by the issues:
While it’s frustrating to run into bugs, the process Microsoft is taking to fix the issues is normal. The company confirms problems, investigates, then rolls out fixes when they’re proven stable. Any reports about Microsoft running into bugs it can’t fix should probably be ignored.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
