Microsoft store "HP Smart" and downloadable HP LaserJet Pro driver

[Pigskin-Referee]

I have the MS Store "HP Smart" installed. It seems to be working correctly. The "HP Support Assistant" insists on showing that I need to update the driver to version 44.7.2712..2022 available directly from HP. Is this actually correct or can I just ignore this message? The "HP Smart" version installed is the latest according to Microsoft.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Pigskin-Referee 

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There are (at least) two main types of printer software

• Full Feature / Full Solution driver software
• HP Smart

The Support Assistant is "talking about" the Full Feature / Full Solution software.

Personally, I'd only update / install the printer software from the installation package.

Support Assistant might be able to do this.

Software

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281cdw Printer Full Software Solution

If you are happy enough now, delay any reloading of the printer software.

Else,

If you are comfortable letting Support Assistant attend the update, do that

OR

If you wish to manually install the printer software,

Try / Consider

Create Restore Point

Before making any changes to your system, always create a Restore Point!

Stop / Exit all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

Windows Updates

Before you install / reinstall printer software, do check and run Windows Updates.  Even if Windows Updates appears to have caused trouble in the past, it is always possible rerunning Updates again can resolve odd issues (for example, printer not recognized).

The Basics - Standard - Reinstall Full Feature Software

Printer Software

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in

Download and Save

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281cdw Printer Full Software Solution

Next

• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• Reminder:  If using Easy Start, select the Full Driver
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

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), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw 

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