• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Are you having HotKey issues? Click here for tips and tricks.
Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs, VIDEOS AND MORE.
HP Recommended
HP ProDesk 600 G3 Small Form Factor PC (ENERGY STAR)
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

There is a mess in HP's bundled software that is supposed to be a helpful audio interface. On the surface it's called HP's "Smart Audio". One level down it's "Synaptics" in the Windows 10 Device Manager under Sound, Video, and Game Controllers. Another level down in Local Disc (C:)>Program Files and ProgramData> we find "Conexant" which was taken over by "Synaptics" and has been a headache for PC users for years. Conexant is then connected to "Flow.exe" which autostarts every time you turn on your computer and can only be shut off via Window's Task Manager. Flow is also connected to "Flow.exe.log", "Flow.ni.exe.aux", and something called "NativeImages_v4.0.30319_64". All of these are connected.

 

What I need is 1. To remove Smart Audio completely. 2. Revert or replace all audio drivers to generic Microsoft drivers 3. Remove Smart Audio, Synaptics, and Conexant along with Flow and NativeImages AND prevent them from restoring themselves every time I restart my computer.

 

I have: manually deleted the Conexant folders in Program Files and ProgramData - this is only possible once you end task Flow.exe in the task manager which in turn shuts off Smart Audio and removes the mini associated HP icon on the right hand side of the taskbar. I have uninstalled or removed and deleted the associated devices in Device Manager. I have used WIN+R  to run the original control panel, gone to hardware and sound, and tried to turn off or remove Audio Controls. I have stopped auto-update of drivers and Windows in general - I accept updates one-by-one.

 

Yet still the system tries to load Conexant every single time and tries to force load the Conexant Synaptics drivers to start Flow.exe and thus Smart Audio.

 

Assume Smart Audio and the rest are not compatible on my device and I want them completely removed so I can instead use Windows Drivers. Please explain how I can do this without the above programs and files taking over the process and reverting back to themselves.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Computer sales and engineers who assume they know best what end users want usually produce the worst results and offer only frustration.
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.