Printer software removal

[Willhart]

I have a HP laptop and HP printer, but the printer has been replaced.  I want to get rid of the printer software, but can't be sure which HP programs in the start menu belong to the HP printer than has been replaced.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Willhart 

The following will help you remove traces of the "old and replaced" printer.

NOTE:  This is a partial extraction of the full process to remove and then reinstall the printer software.

** Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software **

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

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

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, more

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

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

2020 Year of the Rat

[Wiilhart]

There are 17 programs listed on my PC published by HP.  Only 3 are clearly tied to the old 3630 model.  I have no idea if things listed like HP JumpStart Bridge, HP Google Drive Plugin, etc. belong to the HP laptop or the discarded HP 3630 printer.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Wiilhart 

Google Drive plugin made it possible to access google drive from the printer.  It is not printer software.  If you do not use google drive, you may uninstall it.

A quick check shows that HP JumpStart Bridge is launch software.  It is not related to the printer.

Although there are "not printer software" programs on the computer that printer software, when installed, can (and might) use, printer software for a particular printer is self-contained. 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.