Which Assistant to Use

[CarlSchnnurr]

Over the years I have had several 'Assistant' apps and programs offered by HP for my Officejet Pro 8600-N911a printer.
Initially had printer connected to a windows 7 system, then migrated to Windows 10.
I currently have 5 on my computer (that I know about):

1) HP Support Assistant,
2) HP Officejet Pro 8600 (Network):  HP Printer Assistant, and

3) HP Smart

4) HP Print and Scan Doctor
5) HP ePrint

Is there one I should be using over the other?
Are all supported?
I have to think these have been integrated.
My printer is old, but still working fine.
I feel like I have a mess of stuff on my computer and worried they eventually will conflict with each other.

When I look at my Program Files I find:

C:\Program Files\HP
\HP Enabling Service
\HP ePrint
\HP OfficejetPro 8600

C:\Program Files (x86)\HP
\Common

\Diagnostics
\HP OfficejetPro 8600
\HP Software Update
\HP Support Framework
\IrisOCR_12.3.4.0

[Dragon-Fur]

@CarlSchnnurr 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

The best advice is

• Use what works.
• Next, use the application / software that does what you need for the current job.
• Next, use the application / software that is most comfortable for you.

The Printer Assistant (and the HP Scan) shortcuts are part of the Full Driver printer software.

It is always good to have the full driver installed.

The full driver, depending on your Operating System version, also provides access to other print / scan software.

Yours is an older printer --

As long as HP Smart works -- and you are willing to sign into the app using your HP Account,

HP Smart can be quite useful.

Example - Printer Software - Full Driver printer software installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_9

References / Resources

Full Feature Software - Installation Package - Information and Download

HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus/Premium e-All-in-One Printer series - N911a-n Full Feature Software and D... 

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

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

“Things that are your printer”

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

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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP Officejet Pro 8600 e-All-in-One Printer - N911a 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[CarlSchnnurr]

Thanks Dragon-Fur