HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Driver Installation & WiFi Setup Guide 2024

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn is a compact monochrome all-in-one printer perfect for small offices. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: driver installation, WiFi setup, paper jam troubleshooting, and toner replacement. Whether you're setting up your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn for the first time or troubleshooting issues, this guide has you covered.

Part 1: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Driver Installation

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Driver Download

Download the latest HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn drivers from HP's official website:

1. Visit support.hp.com
2. Enter "LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn" in the search box
3. Select your operating system (Windows 10/11 or macOS)
4. Download the HP Universal Print Driver or Full Feature Driver
5. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard

Installing HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Drivers on Windows

Method 1: HP Smart App (Recommended)

1. Download HP Smart from Microsoft Store
2. Open HP Smart and click "Add Printer"
3. Select "Set up a new printer"
4. HP Smart will automatically detect and install HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn drivers
5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete setup

Method 2: Manual Driver Installation

1. Download HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn driver package from HP website
2. Extract the downloaded file
3. Run setup.exe as Administrator
4. Select "Install Printer Driver"
5. Choose connection type (USB, Network, or Wireless)
6. Complete the installation wizard

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Driver Issues & Fixes

Issue: "Driver Not Found" Error

Solution:

1. Uninstall existing HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn driver from Device Manager
2. Restart your computer
3. Download fresh driver from HP website
4. Install driver in Administrator mode

Issue: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Shows Offline

Solution:

1. Check printer is powered on and connected
2. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
3. Right-click HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn → "Use printer online"
4. Update HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn driver if issue persists

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Driver for Mac

1. Download HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn driver from HP website (macOS version)
2. Open downloaded .dmg file
3. Run HP Easy Start or installer package
4. Follow installation wizard
5. Add HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn in System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

Part 2: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn WiFi Setup & Wireless Connection

Note: WiFi setup applies to the M281fdw model. The M281fdn model uses wired network connection.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw WiFi Setup Requirements

• HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw printer powered on
• WiFi network name (SSID) and password
• 2.4GHz WiFi network (M281fdw doesn't support 5GHz)
• Computer or mobile device on same network

Method 1: HP Smart App WiFi Setup (M281fdw)

1. Download HP Smart app on your phone or computer
2. Open HP Smart and tap "Add Printer"
3. Select "Set up a new printer"
4. Choose "HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw" from discovered printers
5. Enter your WiFi network password
6. Wait for printer to connect (1-2 minutes)
7. Verify connection status in HP Smart app

Method 2: Printer Control Panel WiFi Setup (M281fdw)

1. On HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw control panel, press Setup button
2. Navigate to "Network" or "Wireless Setup Wizard"
3. Select "Wireless Setup Wizard"
4. Printer will scan for available WiFi networks
5. Select your WiFi network from the list
6. Enter WiFi password using printer keypad
7. Wait for printer to connect to WiFi
8. Print network configuration page to verify connection

Network Setup for M281fdn (Wired Connection)

For the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdn model with wired network:

1. Connect Ethernet cable from printer to router/switch
2. Print network configuration page from printer control panel
3. Note the printer IP address
4. On Windows: Settings > Devices > Add printer > Add printer using IP address
5. Enter printer IP address and complete setup

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw WiFi Connection Issues

Issue: M281fdw Not Connecting to WiFi

Solutions:

• Ensure HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn is within range of WiFi router
• Check you're using 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz)
• Verify WiFi password is correct
• Restart HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn and router
• Reset HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn network settings and try again

Part 3: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Paper Jam Fix & Troubleshooting

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Paper Jam Locations

Paper can jam in several areas of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn:

• Input tray: Paper feed area
• Duplex unit: Double-sided printing mechanism
• Output area: Where printed pages exit
• ADF (Automatic Document Feeder): For scanning/copying
• Fuser area: Internal heating component

How to Clear HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Paper Jam

1. Turn off HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn and unplug power cord
2. Remove paper tray and check for stuck paper
3. Open front and rear access doors
4. Gently pull jammed paper in direction of paper flow
5. Check ADF area if scanning/copying
6. Remove all paper fragments
7. Close all doors and restart printer

Part 4: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Toner Issues & Replacement

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Toner Cartridge

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn uses:

• HP 85A Black Original Toner Cartridge (standard yield: ~2,600 pages)
• HP 85X Black High-Yield Toner Cartridge (high yield: ~6,500 pages)

How to Replace HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn Toner

1. Open front access door on HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn
2. Wait for toner carriage to move to replacement position
3. Remove old HP 85A toner cartridge
4. Remove protective tape from new toner cartridge
5. Gently shake new cartridge 3-4 times
6. Insert new HP 85A toner cartridge until it clicks
7. Close front door and wait for calibration
8. Print test page to verify

Need Help with Your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn?

If you're experiencing any issues with your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281fdn - whether it's driver problems, WiFi connection issues, paper jams, or toner replacement - our expert technicians can help. We provide remote support to install drivers, configure wireless settings, troubleshoot paper jams, and assist with toner replacement. Call +1-888-423-7757 for 24/7 assistance.