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HP Recommended
8600 All in One printer
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

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.

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Back9TypeGuy7 

 

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.

 

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

 

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

  1. 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”.
  2. 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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2020 Year of Rat

 

 

Dragon-Fur

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