On November 30, we mentioned that Microsoft installs the HP Smart app on some systems without the device owner's knowledge.
This could happen even if you didn't have an HP printer or any other device from the company.
Microsoft confirmed the issue a few days later. So today the company released a fix for that particular problem with KB5034510: a Microsoft Printer metadata troubleshooter.
KB5034510: Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool – December 2023
The troubleshooter is designed to fix the problem on affected systems. Microsoft explains that the tool will check printer information on the system it is running on. If the printer model has recently changed, it will restore the original model information and printer icon and remove any data related to the HP LaserJet M101-M106 printer.
The company says it will do all of the above for any printer that doesn't match the make and model of the HP printer.
The troubleshooter will additionally uninstall the HP Smart app if “no HP printers or HP printer drivers are installed” and if the app was installed after November 25, 2023.
Affected users and administrators can download the troubleshooter from Microsoft Download Center.
