A printer can advertise its own wireless network while also being available through a home or office router. Those are different connection routes. Joining the wrong one can leave you confused about which printer entry to use or why another online task changed.

Identify the route before connecting

HP describes Wi-Fi Direct as a way to connect a device to a compatible printer without using a wireless router. The printer's network name commonly includes DIRECT. Ordinary network printing instead uses the network to which the printer and computer have been connected.

Use the model's instructions to retrieve and verify its direct connection details. Match the physical printer and network name rather than joining the first similar name in the list. Do not print or expose a connection-information sheet where other people can casually copy its credentials.

A printer's direct network is not an internet gateway. Some devices can maintain internet access through another connection while using Wi-Fi Direct, but that depends on the device and setup. Save any online work before changing networks and check the connection status afterwards.

Prove one route at a time

Print a harmless single-page sample using the intended method. Confirm which physical machine produced it and record the printer entry that worked. Avoid adding several indistinguishable entries while switching between direct and router connections.

When finished with a temporary direct connection, return the computer or phone to its usual network if required and verify normal online access. If direct printing is unnecessary, follow the printer's instructions to disable it rather than leaving an unfamiliar extra connection active.

On a shared or managed printer, agree connection and password changes with its administrator. Use the manufacturer's supported approval and password controls for the direct feature. This is a connection-choice task: it does not require resetting the router, disabling network security or changing settings for every other user.

Sources: HP Wi-Fi Direct guide.