Users running Windows 10 or Windows 11 began experiencing an unexpected issue after a recent update. The HP Smart app appeared on their machines, and a curious change occurred: printers were all renamed to HP LaserJet M101-M106 in the Windows device listing, a finding reported by Windows Latest. This disturbance surfaced soon after Windows Update, creating a ripple effect that puzzled many users across North America, including Canada and the United States.
The root cause was traced to metadata errors that govern how printers are identified and shown within the operating system. In late November, HP submitted an update to Windows Update containing metadata for its products, but the data included inaccuracies. Consequently, Windows erroneously labeled printers from non-HP brands with the HP banner. It is important to note that this mislabeling does not degrade printer performance or reliability in any measurable way; the hardware itself remains fully functional, and the misnaming is primarily a display issue in the OS interface. The mislabeling was confined to how devices were presented in Windows, not to the printers’ ability to print or connect to the system. [Source attribution: Microsoft and HP advisories]
Independent checks by WindowsLatest demonstrated that the metadata glitch affected all systems that received the update package. The problem appeared to be independent of the PC hardware, printer models, or the specific network environment in which the devices operated. The appearance of the HP Smart app is attributable to Microsoft Store automatically installing the app under the assumption that a printer from HP is present on the device, a behavior that can surface even if the user has not manually installed HP software. This automation underscores how OS-level expectations can influence app visibility and the initial setup experience across diverse configurations. [Cited observations: WindowsLatest testing notes]
Microsoft has acknowledged the bug, removed the incorrect metadata, and is actively coordinating with HP to deliver a corrective solution. The current plan involves issuing a subsequent Windows update to rectify the metadata dataset and restore accurate device branding across all affected systems. In response to user feedback, Microsoft and HP are prioritizing a fast-tracked resolution to minimize ongoing confusion and ensure the Windows device manager reflects correct manufacturer identities for printers. It is prudent for users to monitor Windows Update for any new fixes and to verify device naming once a replacement update has been applied. [Industry statements and official guidance]
Previously, Microsoft had proposed creating a streamlined, single interface for advanced settings in Windows 11, aiming to simplify complex configuration tasks and empower users with clearer controls. As the metadata issue unfolds, users in North America should watch for forthcoming guidance from Microsoft and HP that clarifies the resolution process and confirms when printer branding will return to normal across affected systems. [Historical context and policy notes]