• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Here is the solution for the error: "Encryption Credentials have expired" when attempting to print or scan from Mac OS or iOS devices: Click here to view the troubleshooting steps!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs AND MORE.
HP Recommended
HP LaserJet M211dw
Microsoft Windows 11

image_2024-07-22_221815642.png

Hi all,

Recently I was trying to connect my printer (LaserJet M211dw) through Wifi. I did connect it successfully, HP Smart app is installed, the printer works perfect.

BUT before that, I misclicked on the Printer's name with "DIRECT" in it (I know it said don't do that), now I cant remove or do anything with it.  It doesn't affect anything, I just feel so annoying seeing that "Driver is unavailable" line.

Is there any thing I can do to remove it?

Thank you guys, please help!

 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @Gravious,

 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

 

It sounds like you've accidentally added a Wi-Fi Direct printer instance to your system, which can be a bit tricky to remove. Here’s how you can resolve this issue.

 

On Windows

Remove the Printer from Settings:

  • Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  • Go to Devices and then Printers & scanners.
  • Locate the printer with "DIRECT" in its name.
  • Click on it and select Remove device.

Remove the Printer via Control Panel:

  • Open Control Panel (you can search for it in the Start menu).
  • Go to Hardware and Sound and then Devices and Printers.
  • Find the printer with "DIRECT" in its name, right-click on it, and select Remove device.

Clear Print Spooler:

  • Sometimes, clearing the print spooler can help resolve issues with printers.
  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  • Locate Print Spooler in the list, right-click on it, and select Restart.

Check Device Manager:

  • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  • Expand the Printers section.
  • If you see the printer listed there, right-click on it and select Uninstall.

Remove the Printer's Driver:

  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  • Right-click on an empty area and select Server Properties.
  • Go to the Drivers tab.
  • Select the driver for the "DIRECT" printer and click Remove.

On macOS

Remove the Printer from System Preferences:

  • Go to System Preferences and select Printers & Scanners.
  • Select the printer with "DIRECT" in its name.
  • Click the - button to remove it.

Reset Printing System:

  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  • Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list area.
  • Select Reset printing system.
  • Confirm the reset, which will remove all printers and reset the printing system.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

 

Alden4

HP Support 

Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.