Laserjet Pro MFP M28W bricked after FW update

[enumac]

Hello.

I updated my Laserjet Pro MFP M28W with last available firmware on HP Support site (  "M28-M31_Series_FW_Update-20230403 and" ), but after the operation the device stopped working. Display is still empty, when powering up the printer only souind of starting mechanical parts can be heard, but both printing and scanning functions are not working.

I've read about many other users whit same problem, i've already tried all suggested operations provided in other topics ( e.g. hard reset, sending again the FW,.. ), but no one works.

Please suggest a working solution.

Thanks

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @enumac,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W seems to be bricked after a firmware update. Since you've already tried basic resets and re-flashing the firmware, try these 5 steps:

Perform a Forced Reset (Power Drain Method)

This helps clear corrupted firmware and resets internal components.

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
• Hold the power button for 30–60 seconds to drain residual power.
• Leave it unplugged for 5–10 minutes.
• Plug it back in and try turning it on.

Try a USB Recovery Mode Firmware Installation

If the update failed midway, the printer might need a manual firmware recovery.

• Download an older firmware version from HP’s official site.
• Connect the printer to your PC via USB cable (not WiFi).
• Use HP Easy Firmware Upgrade Utility to install the previous firmware.
• If it doesn’t recognize the printer, try reinstalling HP Smart or Universal Print Driver first.

Perform a Cold Reset (Factory Reset)

• Turn off the printer.
• Hold the Wireless & Cancel (X) buttons.
• While holding, turn the printer on and wait 10–15 seconds.
• Release the buttons and let the printer restart.
• Check if it responds.

Update via HP Printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

• If your printer still appears on the network,
  • Open a web browser and type: http://your_printer_IP
  • Go to Firmware Update → Reinstall Older VersionRestart the printer after flashing.

Let me know if you need more help. 💙✨

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[enumac]

Hello Kuroi Kenshi.

First af all thanks for your reply.

I followed your tips to hard reset, but after that every other action failed:

- USB recovery mode: HP smart and drivers are installed on my Pc but after powering on the printer, it is not recognized. Windows device management consolle only shows a "HP rbx load" peripheral.

- through HP support site i can only dowload last available FW ( not older versions 😞 the provided package is "M28-M31_Series_FW_Update-20230403.exe" that i assume is the only official tool for FW upgrade via USB. I cannot find online any HP Easy Firmware Upgrade Utility

- cold reset is not working in any way

I also tried to download on my smartphone HP Smart app and searched for the direct connection to the printer, but this is not available.

Please suggest any other possible workaround, if it exists.

[enumac]

Hello

Any help for me ?

thanks