Why does my new Windows 11 install show so many printers?

[shockersh]

Just made a fresh install on a Windows 11 box and the stupid thing literally shows every single printer in my home. Is there a way to prevent this from happening? In fact, now I'm getting popups to install HP Smart or some other software to manage the HP printers in the house (which are in my daughter's room.)

Anyway, just throwing this out there.

[Steve Krause]

Yeah, you can remove printers you don't want. Just follow these steps:

1 - Windows Key, Type Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners

2 - Click the Printer you want to remove

3 - Click Remove on the Printer Details menu

That should do it for ya.

[Jeff Butts]

Another thing that might help....when you connect to a Wi-Fi network, Windows 11 asks if you want your PC to be discoverable on the network. I've found that saying "no" to this not only prevents the computer from showing up on other PCs, but it also cuts down considerably on the number of UPnP, Bonjour, and other variously connected devices from appearing.

[Jim]

I removed all of the "excess" unneeded network printers from Windows 11; they then came back! They are all showing once again!

[Steve Krause]

On 11/20/2023 at 12:48 AM, Jeff Butts said:

Another thing that might help....when you connect to a Wi-Fi network, Windows 11 asks if you want your PC to be discoverable on the network. I've found that saying "no" to this not only prevents the computer from showing up on other PCs, but it also cuts down considerably on the number of UPnP, Bonjour, and other variously connected devices from appearing.

Yeah, great tip Jeff.