HP Support Assistant
Instant support on your PC
HP Support Assistant: Convenient. Automated. For the life of your PC.
With HP Support Assistant, it’s easy to keep your PC running smoothly. Optimize PC performance. Automate support tasks. And get assistance when you need help. All this, from one place on your PC.
HP Support Assistant at-a-glance
Get the latest version for your Windows® 7 PC
Already installed on your PC? Set up automatic updates to receive the latest version when it becomes available.
Not yet installed? Select your computer type in the menu below and click the download link. When prompted, select Run and follow onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
Download HP Support Assistant for Windows® 7
HP Support Assistant basics
- What is HP Support Assistant?
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HP Support Assistant is an HP application that helps you maintain the performance of your computer and resolve problems through automated updates and tune-ups, built-in diagnostics, and a choice of assistance options.
Depending on the version of HP Support Assistant and your settings, you may be able to launch HP Support Assistant through your taskbar. You can also click Help and Support from your Start menu, or type HP Support Assistant in the search box of the Start menu, or click your HP Support Assistant desktop icon if available.
- What is HP Support Assistant Quick Access?
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HP Support Assistant Quick Access lets you jump directly to HP Support Assistant tasks or the homepage, and notifies you when you need to take some action on your computer.
HP Support Assistant Quick Access is accessible through your taskbar at the bottom of your screen. Your taskbar icon will change if there is an update or message that requires your attention.
- How much does HP Support Assistant cost?
- There is no charge associated with using HP Support Assistant. HP will not charge you for data transfer, but your Internet provider may charge a fee for sending or receiving data if you contact HP using a data transfer option
- How do I learn how to use HP Support Assistant?
- No training is required as the application is easy to use.
- Do I need to be connected to the Internet to use HP Support Assistant?
- No, but some features such as receiving updates, connecting to hp.com, or contacting HP require an active Internet connection.
Finding or installing HP Support Assistant
- Is HP Support Assistant available on all computers?
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HP Support Assistant is pre-installed on HP or Compaq computers with Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating systems.2
Note that the features of HP Support Assistant may vary depending on the version installed, your computer model and your area.
- Where do I find HP Support Assistant on my computer? How do I know if it is already installed?
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There are multiple ways to find HP Support Assistant on your computer or check if it is already installed, including:
- • Look for an HP Support Assistant icon on your desktop.
- • Go to the Control Panel, select Programs, and then select Programs and Features.
- • Type HP Support Assistant in the Search box of the Start menu to see if the application is listed.
We encourage you to receive updates through HP Support Assistant to access the latest version and features of HP Support Assistant and other HP software.
If your computer runs Windows® 7 but HP Support Assistant is not installed, you can download the latest Windows® 7 version of HP Support Assistant.
- Why don’t I have an HP Support Assistant icon in my taskbar?
- You need to enable HP Support Assistant Quick Access. To do this, open HP Support Assistant, select the Settings button in the lower left corner, click the Notification settings tab, and select one of the two taskbar options that are listed.
- Can I install HP Support Assistant on an HP or Compaq computer running Windows Vista®?
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You should not install HP Support Assistant on a Windows Vista® computer if the application was not pre-installed originally.
If HP Support Assistant is already installed on your Vista computer, make sure to use the latest Vista-compatible version. (To download the latest version, open HP Support Assistant, click Maintain, and select the Refresh button in the upper right corner to start a scan of your computer. If you do not have the latest version, an update for HP Support Assistant will appear in the Actions list)
In all other cases, you must upgrade to Windows® 7 before installing the latest version of HP Support Assistant.
- Can I uninstall HP Support Assistant?
- You can uninstall HP Support Assistant using the Remove program capability of the Windows® operating system. HP does not recommend uninstalling the application. HP Support Assistant allows you to perform automated tune-ups and receive updates from HP, thus keeping your PC running at its best. In addition, HP Support Assistant offers you several options when you need help to solve a problem or answer a question.
- Can I remove the HP Support Assistant icon from my taskbar?
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HP does not recommend removing the icon because you will no longer receive notifications of pending actions through your taskbar, and you will not be able to jump directly to some HP Support Assistant capabilities.
To remove the icon from your taskbar, open HP Support Assistant, select the Settings button in the lower left corner, click the Notification settings tab, and select the pop-up only option.
- Can I reinstall HP Support Assistant if I have uninstalled the application?
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If you are running Windows® 7 on your computer, you can download and install the latest Windows® 7 version of HP Support Assistant.
Otherwise, you must upgrade to Windows® 7 before installing the latest version of HP Support Assistant.
HP Support Assistant features and benefits
- What happens if I choose the “Call HP and let your PC transfer data to a support technician” contact HP option?
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“Call HP and let your PC transfer data to a support technician” is a unique contact option that is only available through HP Support Assistant. Note that this feature is available on select PCs and in select areas. In addition, another option called “Chat online with HP and let your PC transfer data to a support technician” may also be listed. When available, these options appear in the Get assistance section.
Under the call with data transfer option, you still call HP, but you can save time because support-related data are sent directly from your PC to an HP support technician. You no longer need to provide information over the phone such as your product model number or serial number. In addition, HP Support Assistant sends some diagnostics data that may help the HP technician solve your problem faster.
HP will not charge you for data transfer, but your Internet provider may charge a fee for sending or receiving data.
- Why should I agree to receive updates through HP Support Assistant? How do I receive updates?
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Receiving updates through HP Support Assistant helps you keep your computer up to date. Updates help prevent problems from occurring and allow you to benefit from new software features. You will no longer need to search for the latest version of your HP software applications, including HP Support Assistant.
HP Support Assistant will notify you when updates are available for your computer. And if you want, the application can even install the updates automatically.
It only takes a minute or so to set up your computer to receive updates from HP.
- Why does HP Support Assistant check my warranty?
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HP Support Assistant checks your warranty in order to display the contact options and hours of operation for your local support center.
If you do not agree to let HP Support Assistant check your warranty status, you can still contact an HP Support agent who will then review your warranty.
- Why should I tune up my PC?
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Computers need regular maintenance to perform well. For example, temporary files should be removed and the hard disk should be defragmented on a regular basis. The good news is that you can automate some tune-up tasks with HP Support Assistant. You select the tasks and schedule your automated tune-up for a time that is convenient for you. HP Support Assistant does the rest.
To set up your automated PC tune-up, click the Settings button on any HP Support Assistant page, select the Tune up tab, and make your selections.
- Can I use HP Support Assistant for all my HP products (computers, printers, etc.)?
- HP Support Assistant is primarily designed to help you maintain your computer or solve computer problems. But it may help you download the latest software drivers for the HP peripheral devices connected to your computer.
- Does HP Support Assistant check for viruses or spyware?
- Most of the time, it does not. However, if a virus or a security threat is impacting a lot of customers, HP will attempt to provide a solution through HP Support Assistant. Customers who have the application installed and have agreed to receive updates from HP can then benefit from the solution offered by HP. It is strongly recommended that users continue to use third party anti-virus software as part of their security strategy.
HP Support Assistant versions and requirements
- How do I know which version of HP Support Assistant I have on my PC?
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Open HP Support Assistant, click the Question mark in the upper right corner and select About (feature available only on versions 5.0 or higher).
- My version of HP Support Assistant looks different or does not seem to have some of the features described here. Why?
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You may be running an older version of HP Support Assistant (see question above on how to check which version is installed on your PC). Also, some HP Support Assistant features are only available on select computers and in select areas.
There are three ways to check if you have the latest HP Support Assistant version.
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• For versions 5.2 or lower, open HP Support Assistant, click Maintain, and select the Refresh button in the upper right corner to start a scan of your computer. If available, any new version of HP Support Assistant will appear in the Actions list.
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• For versions 6.0 or higher:
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• Click the icon in your taskbar, then select More options. Click Check for the latest HP Support Assistant and follow instructions, OR
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• Open HP Support Assistant, click the question mark in the upper right corner, select Check for new updates, and follow instructions.
If you have agreed to receive updates from HP, you will be notified when a new version is available for your computer. If you have not selected the option to have HP Support Assistant automatically install updates, be sure to apply the update right away.
If you have not done so already, set up your PC to receive updates from HP to benefit from the latest version of HP Support Assistant and other HP software applications.
- Is HP Support Assistant available worldwide in my local language?
- Yes, the application is available to all customers worldwide and is translated into 36 languages.
- What hardware or software requirements does HP Support Assistant have?
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HP Support Assistant is pre-installed on HP or Compaq computers with Microsoft® Windows® 7.
If your computer runs Windows® 7 but HP Support Assistant is not installed, you can download the latest Windows® 7 version of HP Support Assistant
Some HP Support Assistant features require an active Internet connection. Note that HP Support Assistant works with multiple Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome), but some features (such as the web chat contact option) require Internet Explorer and will launch the browser.
Differences between HP Support Assistant and other software or services
- What is the difference between Windows® updates and HP Support Assistant updates?
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Both updates are important as they cover different aspects of your computer. Windows® updates are limited to software updates related to the operating system of your PC. HP Support Assistant provides software updates specifically related to your HP or Compaq computer, including driver updates, BIOS updates, and HP software updates.
In rare cases, such as a software driver update, both Windows® and HP Support Assistant may try to provide the same update. Both applications will check, however, if the new driver version was already installed. If it is, neither application will download or install the driver again.
- Does HP Support Assistant work with my antivirus software?
- HP Support Assistant works independently of any antivirus software application that you use.
- What is the difference between HP Support Assistant and HP Update?
- HP Support Assistant uses HP Update and other HP tools to notify you when updates and alerts from HP are available for your computer.
- What is the difference between the automated tune-up of HP Support Assistant and the tune-up services that HP offers?
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These tune-ups are different in scope and execution. There is no charge associated with using the HP Support Assistant tune-up, but there is a one-time fee for the more extensive tune-up services performed by an HP technician.
The HP Support Assistant tune-up is available on PCs with HP Support Assistant installed. The tune-up is automated and does not require you to contact HP. You control the schedule and tune-up tasks, which include removing temporary files and cookies and performing a health scan to analyse your computer and update HP software (drivers, applications, firmware BIOS).
In contrast, HP Tune-Up services are available for notebook PCs running a Windows® operating system (Windows® XP, Windows Vista®, and Windows® 7) and are conducted over the phone and Internet by an HP technician who performs an extensive tune-up of your computer and can provide advice as well. The HP technician typically executes the same tasks as HP Support Assistant, but will also complete the following:
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• Remove viruses, spyware, and adware.
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• Review the Microsoft® Windows® configuration and startup settings.
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• Remove any unused or unwanted application software.
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• Update the operating system software, security software, and other non-HP software.
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• Advise the user on the system, configuration, and maintenance.
Contact HP to learn more about technician-assisted tune-up services for notebooks.
1 Functionality available on select PCs and in select areas.
2 HP Support Assistant was previously installed on select PCs with Microsoft® Windows Vista®.
See HP Support Assistant in action
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See how to access important support tasks and receive notifications, right in your taskbar
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