This post explains how to use the Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter tool to fix Printer Name and Icon issues on Windows 11/10 PCs. Many users have recently reported an issue where an HP Smart app was suddenly installed on their devices without being asked. Microsoft confirmed the issue and outlined additional problems where the printers are renamed as HP printers (most labeled as the HP LaserJet M101-M106 model with changed printer icons), regardless of their manufacturer.
To address these issues, Microsoft has released the Printer Metadata Troubleshooter tool. System administrators and users may download this tool to resolve issues with the HP Smart app and the changed printer entries under Windows. Apart from the Printer Metadata Troubleshooter, Microsoft is gradually rolling out a critical troubleshooter that works in the background to troubleshoot all affected home and non-managed business devices.
Following is a detailed list of platforms affected by the above-outlined issues:
- Client: Windows 11, version 23H2; Windows 11, version 22H2; Windows 11, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 22H2; Windows 10, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10, version 1607; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB
- Server: Windows Server 2022; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter fixes Printer Name, Icon, Metadata issues
Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter is intended to fix Printer Name, Icon issues, and issues related to printer configurations observed on Windows 11/10 PCs. The tool examines the details of the connected printers, restores any previously downloaded model information, and erases the incorrect HP LaserJet M101-M106 model information, icons, and application associations from the system. It also uninstalls the HP Smart app if it finds that the app was installed after November 25, 2023, or finds incorrect metadata, or if no HP printers or HP printer drivers are installed on a Windows 11/10 device.
Download and install Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter
The tool is available under support article KB5034510 and can be downloaded from Microsoft Download Center. The download contains an executable file (one with the ‘.exe’ extension) that can be run using Command Line with administrator privileges.
Use Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter to troubleshoot printer configuration issues
To run the Microsoft Printer Metadata Troubleshooter, follow these steps:
Type ‘command’ in the Windows Search bar. Command Prompt will show up as the Best match. Click on Run as administrator in the right panel.
Type the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter:
cd /d [path_to_downloaded_tool]
where [path_to_downloaded_tool] is the location where the executable has been downloaded.
Next, type the following in the Command Prompt window and press Enter:
[PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX86.exe]
where [PrintMetadataTroubleshooterX86.exe] is the name of the downloaded file.
Allow the troubleshooter to run and troubleshoot the issues.
- If incorrect printer information was found/fixed, it will show the message Troubleshooter completed successfully and may take a couple of hours to execute icon and metadata changes.
- On non-affected devices, it will show Troubleshooter not applicable since metadata package not found.
I hope this helps.
Read: Event ID 131, Metadata staging failed in Windows.
How do I reinstall my printer?
To reinstall a printer, you need to follow a few steps. Disconnect the printer from your device and go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Click on the printer you want to reinstall and select Remove. Next, visit the printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer model. Run the driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new drivers. Connect the printer to your computer and turn it on. Windows will detect the printer and complete the installation process.
Why is my HP printer not connecting to my computer?
If your HP printer is not connecting to your computer, you may not have a stable Wi-Fi connection or have incompatible or outdated printer drivers. Make sure your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer or try using a different USB port if it is a USB printer. Also, download the latest drivers for your printer model and install them on your system. In some cases, security software may block the communication between a computer and a printer. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to fix the issue.
Read Next: How do you enable Windows Protected Print Mode?
