Microsoft launches repair tool to solve the problem of inexplicably installing HP Smart apps on Windows 11/10

At the end of last month, many netizens discovered that their computers automatically installed HP’s printer management application Smart App without connecting any printers. This problem affects a wide range of user groups, and Microsoft officials also confirmed the glitch, saying that almost all versions of Windows systems are affected.

Although the automatically installed app came from HP, many initially suspected that the company was responsible. But Microsoft's investigation showed the problem was not with HP.

After half a month of hard work, Microsoft has released a repair tool designed to solve the metadata errors that caused the problem. The tool is able to correct errors in printer metadata, including name and icon, and remove false records for HP LaserJet M101-M106 printers. Additionally, the tool can help uninstall HP Smart applications if incorrect metadata is present.

Microsoft officially explained the purpose of this tool in detail:

This tool will help users and administrators resolve known issues: printer name and icon may be changed, HP Smart app automatically installs.

This tool will scan your printer information, reload the previously downloaded model information and icons, and clear related information, icons and application links from printers that do not match the name and model of "HP LaserJet M101-M106".

If you installed the application after November 25, 2023 and found metadata errors and no HP printer or its driver was installed, you should uninstall the HP Smart application.

IT House noticed that Microsoft has quietly updated the tool. Users can download the latest version from the Microsoft Download Center:

• x86 system: PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX86.exe
• x64 system: PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX64.exe
• ARM32 system: PrintMetadataTroubleshooterArm32.exe
• ARM64 system: PrintMetadataTroubleshooterArm64.exe

If your system is affected, please download the adapted file and run it with administrator privileges. It is recommended to use an elevated command prompt.

• Click "Start", enter "cmd", right-click "Command Prompt", and then select "Run as administrator".
• In the command prompt window that opens, enter "cd /d [path to download tool]" and then press Enter.
• Type the appropriate tool file name for your device from the list below (for example, PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX86.exe) and press Enter.

Affected systems will return a "Troubleshooting completed successfully" message.

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