Cannot remove HP OfficeJet Pro printer driver from account

[YukonJed]

I have physically removed an HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer, and uninstalled the driver. HP Smart continues to show the printer. Is there another way to remove it from HP Smart and any other locations?

[Dragon-Fur]

@YukonJed 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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@YukonJed wrote:

I have physically removed an HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 printer, and uninstalled the driver.

HP Smart continues to show the printer.

Is there another way to remove it from HP Smart and any other locations?

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"HP Smart" can (at this writing) refer to more than one type of entity:

• There is an HP Smart application that runs in Windows. 
• There is an HP Smart / HP Connected Account that supports various HP services, including Remote Printing for ePrint or Print Anywhere, and Instant Ink.
• There is an HP Account -- True, the name is different -- The HP Account provides a Device list of your HP printer(s) and computer(s).  In cases where the device is active, information is available about the device.  Devices that get stuck -- or cannot be added to the list for any reason -- do not impact any other HP service, contract, access, or setup.  Unlisted or stuck devices might might be annoying but the list itself is benign.  Any printer that was ever added to Instant Ink might persist in the device list. 

-- Details / Examples --

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There is an HP Smart application that runs in Windows. 

-- Note --

At some point, possibly in 2026, the HP Smart application will be replaced with an all encompassing "HP" App.  Whether replacing the application name will be 'better" in terms of understanding the various HP services remains to be seen.

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If the printer is stuck in the HP Smart application, it can be removed.

It the normal method using HP Smart > Printer Settings > "Hide Printer" (Remove) does not work, 

Reset the HP Smart application.

If the Reset does not work by itself, add (another) Uninstall / Reinstall of the app after the Reset.

HP_Smart_Win_Main_Menu_12

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- Printer Application - HP Smart – Windows –

Check / Reset HP Smart

Check / Reset HP App

NOTES – Skipping Steps

• If you skip one or more steps and nothing works, consider going back and adding any missed checkpoints.
• Ignore anything not relevant, unwanted, disliked.

Start

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Windows - High Contrast / Dark Mode

• If you are running High Contrast or “Dark Mode” and one or more apps will not open at all, try switching to None (for contrast) or “Light” for mode. 
• After the application opens, set up the printer –
• Later, if you wish to do so, try setting the mode back to your preferred setting.

References - Windows 11

Settings > Personalization > Colors > Choose your mode = Light

Scroll down

Related settings

Select Contrast Themes > None

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Windows – Updates

 Check / Run Windows Updates > Install any pending updates.

If any updates are installed, consider Restarting the computer.

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Remove HP App / HP Smart from Startup

Open the Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc

OR

Right-Click Windows Start > Task Manager

Select Startup apps

If HP Smart / HP App is in the list, remove or Disable

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Restart Everything

Restart computer, printer, and the router that controls you network.

Can’t stand it?  Consider:  Restart computer(s) and printer.

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Open and Check HP Smart

Stop if everything is now working.

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Courtesy of an answer provided by HP Agent Hawks_Eye

Sign Out and Back In

• Open the HP App.
• Sign out of your HP account.
• Close the app completely.
• Reopen and sign back in. This refreshes account sync and can stop repeated pop-ups.

Clear Background Processes

• In Task Manager, check for any “HP App” or “HP Smart” background tasks still running.
• End those tasks, then relaunch the app cleanly.

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Windows - Reset HP Smart Application

This action removes the app data without uninstalling the application.

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

Search / Find HP Smart in the apps list

Open Advanced options > Reset the app

Restart the computer and log in

Open HP Smart > Sign in > Add Printer(s)

What if?

If the app Reset does not work by itself,

then

Uninstall the HP Smart App and start over.

Restart the computer and log in

“Get” a new copy of HP Smart / HP App:

 Microsoft Store or 123.hp.com - Printer setup from the HP® Official site

Open HP Smart / HP App > Sign in > Add Printer(s)

Reference

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers / HP Smart

HP_Smart_Win_Apps_Reset_6

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 “HP Smart / HP Connected” Account - Printers, HP Instant Ink, HP+ / Print Anywhere

Management / Options

HP Smart / HP Connected

Note:  Website might take 1-10 seconds to open

Click Flag to switch to your region

Honestly, the example is likely not that similar to your older Non-HP+ printer setup --

There might be similarities, including the ability to select the Printer and a method to "Remove" the printer, if it is still attached to the account.

HP_Smart_Connected_HP _Printer_Options_6

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-- HP Account --

-- "So I've been told" --

Any printer that was ever attached to Instant Ink will persist in your HP Account.  Beyond the annoyance factor, having an old printer stuck in your HP Account list of devices is harmless.

HP Account - Management / Device Lists / Warranty and Product Information

HP Account - Login / Dashboard

If needful, Scroll to the bottom of the web page to change the region.

After you are signed in - Open Drop-Down menu "My HP Account"

Select Support Dashboard

HP_Account_Dashboard_10

HP_Account_Dashboard_Device_Printer_2

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Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

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