Looping update on laptop

[Itz_Hz]

I have this issue where my laptop told me to use an external USB stick to temporarily update my device in settings, then when the laptop restarted (to finish the updates) it was just stuck on the black loading screen with a loading sign, then it would shut off and then repeat. I tried mistakenly seeing if there was anything wrong with the USB stick so I took it out and found out it was corrupted as when i reinserted the USB stick an error message popped up. I now want a way to reinstall a fresh Windows OS either with or without my files(I'm pretty sure I backed them up, but I would prefer to keep my files). I have already made the Windows installation media on a new USB stick but when I go into system recovery, it says my system needs to be repaired. When I click F1 for recovery environment the screen goes black for 3 seconds and then returns to the recovery page; or when I press F8 for startup settings, the screen blinks and does nothing. The recovery page also says error code: 0xc0000225. Below you can find images of what I am explaining. Can someone please help me with this predicament I have put myself in, thank you.

[Itz_Hz]

Update:

I have also done several tests and all is fine except for the laptop not being able to recognise any storage, but there should be 64GB. I think this is the main issue please help me resolve this problem.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Itz_Hz 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying this out so clearly—your HP Stream 11-ak0000 is caught in a frustrating loop, and the error code 0xc0000225 combined with “no storage detected” points to a deeper issue: either corrupted boot configuration, damaged internal eMMC storage, or a failed update that broke the bootloader. 

You’ve already done a lot right by creating a new Windows installation USB. Let’s walk through a structured recovery plan to help you reinstall Windows and, if possible, preserve your files.

 

Step-by-Step Recovery for HP Stream 11-ak0000 with Error 0xc0000225

 

1. Confirm USB Boot Priority in BIOS

Your system must boot from the new USB stick correctly.

• Power off the laptop
• Press Esc repeatedly as you power it on
• Select F10 for BIOS Setup
• Go to System Configuration > Boot Options
  • Set USB Diskette on Key / USB Hard Disk as first in boot order
  • Disable Secure Boot if enabled
• Press F10 to save and exit

Now insert your new USB stick and restart.

 

2. Boot from Windows Installation Media

If BIOS is set correctly, you should see the Windows setup screen.

• Select your language and click Next
• Click Repair your computer (don’t install yet)
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt

Run these commands to rebuild the boot configuration:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

If these fail or return errors, your internal storage may be inaccessible.

 

3. Check Storage Visibility

Let’s confirm whether Windows setup can detect the internal 64GB storage.

• From the Command Prompt, run:diskpart list disk
• If Disk 0 (your internal drive) is missing or shows 0 bytes, the eMMC may be corrupted or disconnected

If the disk is visible, you can try installing Windows. If not, continue to step 4.

 

4. Run HP UEFI Diagnostics

This checks hardware health, especially storage.

• Power off the laptop
• Press Esc repeatedly, then select F2 for diagnostics
• Run System Test > Extensive Test
• Pay close attention to Storage (eMMC) results

If the test shows “No storage detected” or fails the SMART check, the internal drive may be physically damaged.

 

5. Reinstall Windows (If Storage Is Detected)

If the internal drive is visible and passes diagnostics:

• Boot from the USB again
• Choose Install Now > Custom Installation
• Select the internal drive and format only the Windows partition
• Proceed with installation

If you backed up your files, this will give you a clean start. If you didn’t, avoid formatting the entire disk—just the OS partition.

 

If Storage Is Not Detected

If diagnostics confirm the internal storage is missing or unreadable:

• The eMMC may have failed due to a firmware bug or hardware fault
• HP Stream models use soldered storage, so replacement isn’t user-serviceable
• You’ll need to escalate to HP Support for board-level service or replacement

I know this has been exhausting—especially when you were just trying to update responsibly. Let’s get your system back to a clean, working state.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Itz_Hz]

Update 2:
So I have done as you said and everything went swimmingly until I reached the command prompt. Most of the actions you laid out to type in the command prompt were successful; the only one that didn't work was "bootrec /fixboot", as I didn't have access to this command. When I restarted the system, it reverted to the Windows setup image, as shown below. Once I finish with all this would I need to revert the boot order changes I have made back to default, if so can you remind me of the boot order? Also, should I try updating the system again, if yes then what should  I do if the system says I don't have enough storage like last time (last time it told me to use a temporary external storage but I am afraid that I will encounter the same problem) as I do not wish to upgrade my storage?

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

@Itz_Hz,

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

If after following these steps you still face issues, consider reaching out to our customer support over the phone for further assistance. 

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye