HP LaserJet Pro M280/M281 – Firmware Installation via FTP Printing

This guide shows how to manually install or downgrade the printer firmware by uploading the .rfu file via FTP.

Firmware files

The .rfu file is used for FTP installation. The .exe can also be extracted to obtain the .rfu.

Note: FTP Printing is disabled by default for security. Only enable it temporarily for the update.

Warning: Installing firmware is at your own risk. A wrong or interrupted update may render the printer unusable. Double-check the model and file.

Open HP Smart and select Network Information from the left menu.
Note the IP address of your printer.
Open your web browser and enter the printer’s IP address. The HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) will load.
Click the green NETWORK tab at the top.
In the left menu, select Configuration → Advanced.
Enable the FTP Printing checkbox and scroll down to click Apply.
Open your FTP client and connect to the printer’s IP address.
- No username or password is required.
Upload the firmware file HP_LaserJet_Pro_M280_M281_Printer_series_20200612.rfu to the root directory.
The printer display should show the HP logo and “PROGRAMMING…” while the update installs.
Once complete, the printer will reboot and the new firmware will be active.
Important: Return to the web interface and disable FTP Printing again.
Also disable Automatic Updates in the printer settings to prevent unwanted firmware changes in the future.

Can’t connect via FTP: Verify the IP address, ensure FTP Printing is enabled, and you’re on the same network.
Login error: Leave username and password blank.
File upload does nothing: Ensure the file is a valid .rfu for your model.
Update stuck: Wait patiently. Do not power off. If it fails, retry the process.