Automatic BIOS update after 24H2 installation

[JeroenMichiels]

Hello,

We currently have a few hundred HP Elitebook x360 1040 G8 laptops with Windows 11 Enterprise and BIOS version 1.17.01. When upgrading from feature update 23H2 to 24H2, the BIOS gets automatically updated to version 1.19 on the next reboot.

We have verified that the BIOS update is not initiated through Intune or auto-update in the BIOS itself. The problem is not related to our company configuration as well. A brand new 23H2 installation on this model without company configuration has the same issue when updating to 24H2.

Rolling back from v1.19 to v1.18 works fine. Another rollback from v1.18 to v1.17.01 immediately triggers a new BIOS update to v1.19.

When rolling back from 24H2 to 23H2, the problem disappears. We can then rollback the BIOS to v1.17.01 which will stay that way until an upgrade to 24H2 is performed.

A clean install of Win11 24H2 using an USB-bootstick does not trigger the problem. It only occurs when upgrading from 23H2.

Does anyone experience the same problem? Is HP aware of this issue? 

Thank you,

Jeroen

[Jupitero]

Hello.

HP releases BIOS updates via Microsoft Update. You need to block the specific BIOS update(s) via GPO or in WSUS. You can also prevent BIOS updates if you configure a BIOS password for all your laptops, which will effectively prevent unmanaged BIOS updates. Take a look at Client Management Solutions for some helpful resources to manage your laptop fleet.

Is there a problem with BIOS 1.19?

[JeroenMichiels]

Hello Jupitero,

Thank you for your reply. We only allow Microsoft product updates via Windows Update. Driver or BIOS updates are blocked automatically. The Windows Update logs don't show anything about the BIOS flash.

We're using Intune with HP Connect integration and push a specific BIOS update; in this case v1.17.01. All laptops have a BIOS password as well so I don't understand why the BIOS is flashed automatically once the device is upgraded to Win11 24H2. Moreover, the problem doesn't occur when performing a clean install of 24H2.

An automatic BIOS flash surprises our users, increases the total reboot time when performing an upgrade and putting a lot of pressure onto our Servicedesk. To prevent issues, we only flash the BIOS in specific periods after extensive communication.

Jeroen