Block Automatic Installation of HP Smart App

[Atheropids]

Hello,

     Recently I got an HP DeskJet printer. The problem is, whenever the computer is connected to the printer, either with Wi-Fi Direct or USB cable, "HP Smart" is automatically installed to the PC running Windows 10. As the printer works totally fine without "HP Smart", I uninstalled the app. However, the app keeps being automatically installed without my permission once the device is re-connected. Is there any method to disable such unwanted and annoying auto-installation behavior?

     Methods I've tried but none worked:
1. Regedit against Windows Store apps (a.k.a. UWP apps).
https://superuser.com/questions/1221042/stop-windows-10-from-automatically-downloading-promoted-apps
2. Disabling the "Shell Hardware Detection" from "services.msc".

     The following "solutions" will NOT be considered legit:
1. Process to uninstall "HP Smart" app. (I have NO issue uninstalling. The problem is it KEEPS COMING BACK W/O MY PERMISSION.)

     Thanks! c:

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Atheropids

Welcome to the HP Support Community. I'd be happy to assist you

Due to the current global COVID-19 situation, we're seeing an influx of customers coming in for support. We appreciate your patience.

Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and perform a reset as well restart your computer.

Let's try a power reset on the printer

Reset the product

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
• Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
• Turn the printer on. HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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Have a great day! 

[Atheropids]

Hello Jay,

     Thanks for your answer. Nevertheless, that unfortunately doesn't work for me. Also, not being offensive, I have no idea why it could work. (Much appreciated if you wouldn't mind to kindly explain how it works! c: ) I tried it anyways but to no avail. Whenever I reconnect the printer to the PC running Windows 10 (version 1909), the app is still installed automatically by force w/o my permission.

     I also tried using an old laptop running a now outdated version of Windows 10. (More specifically, Windows 10 version 1607.) Hopefully this extra piece of information would help.

     I'm not currently urging to get an answer. It's OK for me if you need to have engineers inspecting the problem before coming up with a working solution. I do accept more technical solutions including manipulating register entries through regedit. Also please inform me if the problem is not caused by HP products but the Windows OS itself.

     -Atheropids

[Jay_G24]

The reset was to refresh the printer's memory and PC memory.

try the steps below to resolve the issue:

unplug the USB cable from the printer if present.

• Go to Control panel – Programs and feature – Select all the HP printer entries and uninstall them.
  • Now go to Control panel – Devices and printer – Select all the printer entries and remove the device.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Click the bottom-left Start button on desktop, type device manager in the search box and tap Device Manager on the menu.
  • Once in device manager, click on the view tab in the top & choose “Show hidden devices”.
  • Then from the device manager list, check the entries under “Printer” – If there are any entries, please right click and choose “uninstall” – In the confirm device un-install pop-up, make sure you select the box which says “Delete the driver software for this device".
  • Also, check the entries under "printer queue" and "imaging devices" and repeat the same exercise. Delete any printer entry or any entry which says “Unknown device”.
  • Once done, close device-manger. Then press the "windows key" + "r" to get the "Run" window open - Type "printui.exe /s" and press enter.
  • Under print server properties, go to drivers - remove any entry there as well.
  • Again, go running window, type – “c:/programdata” – Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.
  • Once done you can try cleaning out your temporary files and cached files. You can try using automated applications like some cleaner software's that you can download from the internet.
  • Now restart your computer again.
  • Open the Run window again, type “services.msc” and press ok to get services window.
  • Scroll down to “Remote Procedure Call (RPC)” – right-click and go to properties. Make sure the service is started and startup type is “Automatic”.
  • Now scroll up and go to “Function Discovery Provider Host” – right-click and select properties – Change the startup type to “manual” and start the service.
  • Repeat the same exercise on “Function Discovery Resource Publication” as well
  • Windows image acquisition stop and restart the service 

Reinstall the drivers from software and drivers page

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day!