Microsoft has responded to user complaints about an issue where the HP Smart app was automatically installing on Windows devices after renaming all printers to HP LaserJet M101-M106. This problem had been reported by customers on various online platforms and Microsoft’s community website since late November. The company acknowledged it as a known issue impacting both client (Windows 10 1809 or later) and server (Windows Server 2012 or later) platforms.
To address this, Microsoft released the Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool over the weekend to assist administrators and users in resolving the printing problem. The Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool is designed to review printer information, restore previously downloaded model information and icons, and remove HP LaserJet M101-M106 model information, icons, and application associations from printers that do not match this name and model. Additionally, the tool is capable of uninstalling the HP Smart application if incorrect metadata is found, there are no HP printers or HP printer drivers installed, and the application was installed after November 25, 2023.
Users and administrators can download the troubleshooter tool from the Microsoft Download Center and run it with admin privileges from a Command Prompt window. When run by enterprise administrators, the tool can correct printers for all users and sessions on a system, requiring it to be executed as the Local System account. The troubleshooter displays a “Troubleshooter completed successfully” message when incorrect printer information is fixed, and “Troubleshooter not applicable since metadata package not found” if the device is unaffected.
Microsoft notes that it may take a couple of hours for icon and metadata changes to take effect after running the tool. This initiative demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to promptly addressing user-reported issues and providing tools to help administrators manage and troubleshoot problems efficiently.
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