HP Smart always crashes after latest Windows 10 update (and easystart driver package hangs)

[JimboJames]

We have a HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e and have been using the HP Smart app successfully until the latest Windows 10 update around July 30, 2025 or so: Windows 10 64-bit ver: 22H2, build 19045.6159

The PC update setting has the option to install latest updates as soon as they're available.

After the update in the end of July, 2025, the HP Smart app appears to start momentarily with a window popping up but cursor spinning, then exits immediately. We tried repairing the app, resetting the app, and re-installing the app, but nothing works.

Current HP Smart app info: ver: 160.1.1192.0 - released July 8, 2025

Also, we decided to start from scratch and remove the printer device from Windows and uninstall the HP Smart app and use the EasyStart full (offline driver package) here:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/swdetails/hp-officejet-pro-9120e-all-in-one-series/model/210142...

HPEasyStart-16.2.4-OJP9120_58_2_1857_Webpack.exe

But this too does not work, at least after Win10 update build 19045.6159

During setup, after supplying the printer's IP address, it correctly identified the printer, then after selecting to Continue to install drivers, it just spins on the screen: "Checking your software needs"

[Max3Aj]

@JimboJames, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing these issues with your HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e after the recent Windows 10 update. It's frustrating when something that was working perfectly stops, especially with critical software like the HP Smart app and the EasyStart driver package.

Here are a few steps we can take to troubleshoot and resolve this:

HP Smart App Crash Fix

This issue appears to be caused by a compatibility conflict between the latest HP Smart app and Windows 10 build 19045.6159.

Steps:

Uninstall HP Smart completely:

• Go to Settings > Apps > HP Smart > Uninstall.
• Also remove any leftover HP folders from:C:\Program Files\HP\ C:\ProgramData\HP\

Install an older version of HP Smart:

• Download HP Smart version 159.1.1100.0.
• Disable auto-updates in Microsoft Store to prevent it from upgrading again.

Run HP Smart in Compatibility Mode:

• Right-click the HP Smart shortcut > Properties > Compatibility tab.
• Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 8”.
• Also check “Run as administrator”.

HP EasyStart Installer Hang Fix

The EasyStart Webpack hanging at “Checking your software needs” is a known issue.

Steps:

Reset Winsock (network stack):

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run:netsh winsock reset
• Restart your PC.

Install Full Feature Software Manually:

• Instead of EasyStart, download the full driver directly: HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e Full Software

Clean Slate Setup (Optional)

If issues persist, try a full clean reinstall:

1. Remove all HP software via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Delete all HP printer entries from Devices and Printers.
3. Restart PC.
4. Reinstall using the full driver (not EasyStart).
5. Add printer manually via Settings > Devices > Printers > Add a printer using IP address.

Alternative Workaround

If HP Smart still fails, use Windows Fax and Scan or HP Scan and Capture (available in Microsoft Store) for scanning tasks.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support