HP Smart Printing changes my windows 11 default printer

[Philip4]

The HP Smart App (I guess) changes my default printer to "HP Smart Printer". As I have just one printer on my small network, this is a complete pain.  I keep changing my default printer back to the only printer on the network, my Office Jet 9020.  How can I choose my own default printer and prevent some piece of HP software changing it?  nb. HP Smart Printing does absolutely nothing except insert an unwanted pop up window into my workflow when I want to print.  I have checked.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Philip4 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

Ideas...

Operating System / version not provided.

If Windows...

If you have not done so...

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

After the full driver is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

Open the Printer Properties > Tab Advanced > Select Driver:  HP Officejet Pro 9020 series (PCL-3)

Example - Printer Properties > Advanced > Select Driver

9025_Printer_Properties_Advanced_Driver_List_8

Next,

Consider / check the way that the Default Printer is managed by Windows

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Scroll down > Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer

Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default

Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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References / Resources

Use / Ignore as suits your situation

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Method - Use the Easy Start Software to Install HP Smart and / or the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

Easy Start Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

• Open  Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Click to open Category Software and Drivers 
• Download and Save the current version of the Easy Start Software installation package  to install your print software

 Easy Start can be used to install your printer software or the HP Smart application.

If the HP Smart Application is (already) Uninstalled, Use Easy Start OR Get a new copy of the application from the Microsoft Store

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.

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Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

• >>> After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

Continuing

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software Web Pack installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a USB printer cable to connect the printer to the computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the installation procedure
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

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Example - Parts to the Printer Software - Windows

Parts_to_Printer_Software_7

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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:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 All-in-One Printer 

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