Question:

What is the cause of the HP Smart Hub installation on Windows 10 devices without any HP hardware?

I have noticed that some Windows 10 users have reported that the HP Smart Hub software has been automatically installed on their devices in the past few days, even though they do not have any HP printers or other HP hardware connected to their machines. This seems to be a recurring issue, as there are similar reports from previous years on Microsoft Answers and Reddit. I am wondering what is the reason behind this unwanted installation and how to prevent it from happening again.

Answer:

HP Smart Hub is a software application that allows users to manage their HP printers and other devices from one place. It also provides access to various features and services, such as printing, scanning, ink delivery, and cloud storage. However, some Windows 10 users have reported that the HP Smart Hub software has been automatically installed on their devices in the past few days, even though they do not have any HP printers or other HP hardware connected to their machines. This seems to be a recurring issue, as there are similar reports from previous years on Microsoft Answers and Reddit. What is the reason behind this unwanted installation and how to prevent it from happening again?

The reason behind the HP Smart Hub installation

According to HP, the HP Smart Hub software is part of the Windows 10 update process and is automatically installed on compatible devices as an optional feature. HP claims that this is done to provide users with a better printing experience and to offer them the benefits of the HP Smart Hub app. However, many users have expressed their frustration and confusion over this installation, as they do not own any HP devices or have any intention of using the HP Smart Hub app. Some users have also raised concerns over the privacy and security implications of having an unwanted software on their devices.

How to prevent the HP Smart Hub installation

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the HP Smart Hub software from being installed on Windows 10 devices without any HP hardware. One way is to disable the optional features in the Windows 10 settings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 device.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Optional features.
4. Scroll down and find the HP Smart Hub feature.
5. Click on it and then click on Uninstall.
6. Restart your device.

Another way is to use the Print and Scan Driver and Accessories software instead of the HP Smart app to install and use your HP printer. This software does not include the HP Smart Hub feature and can be downloaded from the HP website . To install this software, follow these steps:

1. Go to the HP website and enter your printer model.
2. Select your operating system and version.
3. Click on Download next to the Print and Scan Driver and Accessories software.
4. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
5. Connect your printer to your device and start using it.

Conclusion

The HP Smart Hub software is a software application that is automatically installed on Windows 10 devices as an optional feature. It is meant to provide users with a better printing experience and to offer them the benefits of the HP Smart Hub app. However, some users do not want this software on their devices, as they do not have any HP hardware or have any use for the HP Smart Hub app. To prevent this software from being installed, users can either disable the optional features in the Windows 10 settings or use the Print and Scan Driver and Accessories software instead of the HP Smart app to install and use their HP printer.

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