How to remove my old printer from the set-up - it won't budge! It keeps showing up as inactive.

[Angelic11]

Hi there, I bought a new printer as my old HP Deskjet had clapped out. And I have spent the last couple of days trying to set this up, unsuccessfully. It keeps listing the old printer (which was life-expired, didn't print, didn't fax, didn't copy) as still on the set-up, but 'offline'. Well, it's offline for good as I took it to the local recycling centre when I ordered the new HP Deskjet. 

I've got HP Smart installed, but that's been no help either. Being retired, I'm on a budget and would rather not have to spend money on getting an IT specialist in to fix this, as none of this is my fault.

[Irfan_06 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Angelic11,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to assist you.

I see that you are looking for help in removing your printer software or the drivers.

Kindly refer to the below steps to remove the drivers and let me know if that resolves the issue.

Uninstall HP printer software, and then remove the printer from your Devices list.

How to Uninstall HP Printer Software in Windows 10

Disconnect the printer from the computer or network.

In Windows, search for and open Add or remove programs.

In the list of installed programs, click your HP printer name, and then click Uninstall. If your printer name does not display, select HP Smart, and then click Uninstall.

If a User Account Control message displays, click Yes.

Follow the instructions to complete the software removal, and then restart the computer.

NOTE:

If the uninstall fails, use the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter (in English), and then try uninstalling again.

In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

Click Devices and Printers.

For each printer icon that represents the name of your HP printer, right-click the icon, and then click Remove Device or Uninstall device.

NOTE:

If no printer icons display, the printer has already been removed.

The printer software and driver is uninstalled.

Other related HP software might remain on the system. If you do not want a particular software title, uninstall it from Add or remove programs.

Refer to this link for more information related to the issue.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Irwin6

HP Support