HP Smart C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\AD2F1837.HPPrinterControl keep asking for admin creds

[Uninstallthis97]

I swear to god this is a BLIGHT,
I have uninstalled HP Smart a long time ago and the rotting pieces of this bloatware are still somewhere on my PC trying to update itself.
I have already manually deleted tasks that were scheduled and not removed by the uninstaller.

I have searched the registry for anything HP related

nothing explains why I have 3 folders in C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\ :
AD2F1837.HPPrinterControl_153.1.1137.0_neutral_~_v10z8vjag6ke6

AD2F1837.HPPrinterControl_153.1.1137.0_neutral_split.language-de_v10z8vjag6ke6

AD2F1837.HPPrinterControl_153.1.1137.0_x64__v10z8vjag6ke6
They were created today! And I can't even delete the parent diretory.
What even created these !???!
How do I delete it and get rid of this pest for good!

[Repairatrooper]

I am not clear if you tried this and if you have, I apologize in advance, just do not want an obvious stone unturned. On your PC have you gone to settings>apps and ensured all possible apps have been removed?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Uninstallthis97 

Welcome to the HP Community --

HP Smart is -- at this writing - available in the Windows Store.

The folders in the WindowsApps folder are in a protected part of the File System.

True - you should not be able to obliterate Windows files in a protected part of the system.

If HP Smart -- the application -- is still marked as installed in the system, 

then

First,

Reset the HP Smart app to remove the app data.

Next,

Uninstall the app

Restart the computer and log in.

Registry changes are up to you -- I stopped giving this type of advice years ago - personal choice.

Details...

Windows 10 -

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

OR

Windows 11 - 

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

Next,

Search / Find HP Smart in the apps list

Open Advanced options > Reset the app

Next,

Uninstall the HP Smart App from Settings > Apps > Apps and Features / Installed Apps

Restart the computer and log in

Next,

If you wish the app gone "everywhere",

While connected to the same (home / office) network as your computer,

Uninstall the HP Smart app from all the other device(s) on your network (computers, tablets, phones).

After the app is removed > Restart the device (for example, iPad, iPhone)

Back in Windows

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_1

At this point, IF the HP Smart Printing queue is still installed, perhaps decide to ignore it.

What?

Even should the queue be sticky, USE of the HP Smart Printing optional -

Simply do not choose it as the Printer device in your job configuration.

There are elements of the HP Smart Printing print queue that are tied into other PrinterControl software.

What else?

Experts do not -- and cannot -- provide information that breaches (or can breach) the Windows File System's own protected files / folders.  Doing so is against our code of conduct and Rules of Participation

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Repairatrooper]

@Dragon-Fur's response made me realize there might be a reason that the app did not uninstall completely. You should completely purge the print spooler on your PC as a stuck job could prevent proper uninstall.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/cant-delete-print-queue-in-windows-10/c01abbe3...

[Uninstallthis97]

Hi,

I have uninstalled the app before writing this.
I am surprised the app and the installed programm were 2 different things.
I managed to find the app und I uninstalled it. Hoping I don't get any more popups in the future.
I managed to delete all the mentioned folders by taking ownership and overwriting the file permissions recursively.
Thank you.