These days when you install a printer you usually get a whole bunch of junky software with it that you’re never going to use.  Since you don’t really have the option to not install it when you first hook up the printer, you usually have to do it after the fact.  Some people either don’t know how to do it or don’t want to do it because they think they might be deleting some necessary software.  In reality, most of the software installed by your printer isn’t necessary and most of the necessary stuff is hidden anyways.

So, go to your Control Panel (usually under the Start menu) and go to Add or Remove Programs.  You will see a list of printer software (it usually always starts with your printer brand, like HP Memories Studio or something) and then you can remove what you don’t need.  You can usually tell by the name of the software or the date last used to see how relevant it is, so the big stuff you won’t miss should be easy to spot.

If you want to just entirely uninstall your printer, you can remove all the software from that list and then remove the printer itself from your Control Panel.  In there, you will see an option for Printers and Faxes and then a list of printers should pop up.  If there is one in there you don’t need, just right click on it and select delete.

**The usual disclaimer:  if you don’t know much about computers, please don’t go into your Control Panel and start deleting things and then call us up wondering why we told you to delete everything.  This is only recommended for those with some knowledge and a desire to rid themselves of bloated printer software.