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Windows added the app to computers without any HP devices connected or printer drivers installed.
The same bug also renamed printers, regardless of brand, to be listed as HP printers.
The Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool will fix the odd bug that renamed printers and installed the HP Smart app without permission.
Microsoft confirmed the issue and promised a fix.
That fix is now here, though it’s in a different form than many Windows bug fixes.
The issue would also rename printers, regardless of their brand, to be listed as HP printers.
Many were upset by the bug, since it meant software appeared on their PC without permission.
The issue also locked some users out of advanced printer features, since their printer had been mislabeled.
The fix for Windows installing an app without permission is to make people download and installanothertool.
The Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter Tool takes up very little space, the entire download is 877.7 KB.
Even with the tool installed, applying the fix requires using Command Prompt as an administrator.
