How to Remove Faint QR Code at Bottom Right of Screen

[simtom1500]

Hi,

I recently purchased an HP Spectre laptop, and I am wondering how to get rid of a faint QR code overlay that is lingering at the bottom right of my screen. The words "scan to buy" are at its center, so it is some sort of promotional content. I have included an image of this below:

Apologies for the terrible quality--the QR code doesn't show up in screenshots. There is also another part of the overlay with the HP logo at the bottom of the screen, as well as the name of my laptop, so I am confident it is an HP-associated process causing it. I have already tried checking the settings on different HP apps, and I have been unable to find any settings to disable promotions. I have also attempted to use software to pinpoint the associated process and have been unsuccessful. It loads immediately upon starting my computer. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in disabling this overlay.

[Raj_05]

Hi @simtom1500,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The faint QR code and associated overlay on your HP Spectre x360 screen are most likely part of HP's preinstalled software or firmware. This could be a demo or promotional mode typically used for display models in stores. Here's how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Check for Demo Mode

• Disable Demo Mode in HP Software:
  • Open the HP Support Assistant or any preinstalled HP software on your laptop.
  • Look for a setting related to "Demo Mode" or "Retail Demo" and disable it.
  • Save changes and restart your laptop to see if the issue persists.

Access BIOS/UEFI Settings

• Check for Retail Demo in BIOS:
  • Restart your laptop and press Esc or F10 repeatedly during startup to access the BIOS/UEFI menu.
  • Navigate to the settings and look for any mention of "Retail Demo," "Overlay," or similar promotional features.
  • Disable it, save the changes, and restart your laptop.

Uninstall Unnecessary Software

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and look for any HP software that might be responsible for the overlay (e.g., HP Display Control, HP Retail Demo).
• Uninstall the software and restart your laptop.

Disable Startup Programs

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab and disable any non-essential HP processes or apps.
• Restart your computer and check if the overlay is gone.

Update Drivers and Firmware

• Open HP Support Assistant and check for updates for your drivers, firmware, and BIOS.
• Install all updates and restart your laptop.

Reset to Factory Defaults (Optional)

• If none of the above works, you can perform a factory reset to remove any demo mode configurations.
  • Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and select Remove everything to perform a clean installation of Windows.
  • Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support