How this issue is affecting users
Due to this problem, printers connected to Windows devices are automatically installing the HP Smart app and are being renamed even if they’re not HPones.The tech giant has confirmed that it has already started investigating the issue.
Microsoft claims that the problem isn’t caused by an HP update and the company suggests that it’s a Windows issue instead. However, this issue is not causing printers to stop printing. Windows 10 / 11 users are able to continue printing, but if users attempt to double-click on a printer, they might receive a “No tasks are available for this page” error message.
In a support note, Microsoft says: “Some issues related to printer configurations are being observed on Windows devices which have access to the Microsoft Store. Microsoft is investigating this issue and coordinating with partners on a solution. Printers are renamed as HP printers regardless of their manufacturer. Most are being named as the HP LaserJet M101-M106 model. Printer icons might also be changed.”
Printers that are not getting affected
There are some temporary workarounds and settings can be enabled to stop the automatic renaming of printers. For example, if an IT admin has blocked the use of the Microsoft Store, printers aren’t being renamed. In such cases, the HP Smart app is also not being installed automatically.
However, it’s important to note that this is not the first time Windows and printers are facing issues with each other. In March 2021, a Windows update caused some printers to show a blue screen on PCs. Microsoft was able to quickly resolve the issue.
A few months later, an unpatched critical flaw appeared in the Windows Print Spooler service. The fix for that security problem made some printers stop working altogether. The fix for this latest renaming issue is expected to be a lot less complicated.