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- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- I see that the latest version of software for the 8600 All i...

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01-20-2020 09:47 AM
How do I get rid of older versions of HP software so I can install HP Smart as my only printer software. Is there an HP app to remove that old software as it is not nearly as good as HP Smart??? I know cause I have only HP Smart on my Lenovo laptop and it works perfectly.
01-20-2020 12:55 PM
The standard Full Feature Software and HP Smart are different enough that having one installed does not preclude having the other. That is, you can install HP Smart without removing the Full Feature Software.
If you wish to remove the printer Full Feature Software, you may do so.
NOTE:
The sections marked with "**" are optional checkpoints to make sure the printer software is "gone".
Uninstall Existing Printer Software
Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features
Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >
Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >
Search or Scroll down
Uninstall the printer software
After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in
If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.
Microsoft: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed
** Uninstall - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **
Check / Verify: If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.
Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager
Expand category Printers
If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,
Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall
Expand category Imaging Devices
If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,
Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall
Restart the computer and log in
** Uninstall - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **
Check / Verify: If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers
Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list
Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)
Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers
Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu
Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device
Restart the computer and log in
** Uninstall - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **
Check / Verify: Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy. If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete printer files from the Temp folder and the Local\HP folder
Clear Temp Folder in AppData
Method One
Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp
OR
Method Two
Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%
Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)
Restart the computer and log in
Clear HP Printer mention in AppData\Local\HP
Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP
Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove
===========================================================
What if?
If, after you remove the printer software, you find that you do want it back on the computer, download-save-install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software.
Installation – Full Feature Software
NOTES
- If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation. Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).
- Some (newer) printer models (only) provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, the Easy Start installation will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software
- Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available for the printer.
- Look for / Select the "Full Driver" software
HP Documents
HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers
HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)
HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware
Install - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software
- Open Category Software and Drivers in your printer Support Website
- Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.
- 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”
NOTES
- If you use the Easy Start method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model. For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software”.
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in
=====================================================
References
HP Smart for Windows
Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer
Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App
OR
Links to HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices, includes an FAQ section
HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)
HP Smart for Mobile
Mobile Printing – Options, How-to, Help, and Information
Print from your Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device with the HP Mobile printing app.
Read this document first - List of printers and supported applications
HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers
“Print Anywhere App” Supported on Select Printers
HP Printers - Print Anywhere with the HP Smart App
HP Smart - iOS and Android - Download, How-to. Videos, and FAQ
HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Android, Apple iOS)
HP Mobile Printing – “Show and Tell” – Step by Step How-to
Learn how to connect and use your printer with your device
HP Mobile Printing - Print from Smart phone or Tablet
Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn how to use your Printer
Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)
Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
HP Officejet Pro 8600 e-All-in-One Printer series - N911
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