Can not remove DIRECT printer

[Gravious]

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!

[Raj_05]

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.

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Alden4

HP Support