Stuck at bios screen

[Yinkusman]

I have an issue with my system after I went to option update when my CD ROM won't work not knowing it was not plugged. After the updates, the system got stuck at the BIOS asking for escape key to be pressed and still won't boot after pressing. What is the solution to this problem please. Thanks for your anticipated response in advance.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Yinkusman 

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

I understand how unsettling it feels when your system gets stuck at the BIOS screen after an update attempt, especially when you were troubleshooting the CD‑ROM. 

Let’s go through a structured set of actions to bring the system back to normal startup.

Step‑by‑step actions

1. Power reset

• Turn off the computer completely.
• Disconnect the power adapter and, if removable, the battery.
• Hold the power button for 15–20 seconds to drain residual charge.
• Reconnect power and try starting again.

2. Check boot order in BIOS

• Restart the system and press F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS Setup.
• Navigate to System Configuration > Boot Options.
• Ensure the primary hard drive (Windows Boot Manager) is set as the first boot device.
• Save changes and exit.

3. Reset BIOS to defaults

• While in BIOS Setup, look for Restore Defaults or Load Setup Defaults.
• Apply the reset, save, and restart.
• This clears any incorrect settings that may have been applied during the update attempt.

4. Disconnect external devices

• Remove any USB drives, external hard disks, or CD/DVD media.
• Restart the computer with only the power adapter connected.
• This ensures the BIOS isn’t waiting for a bootable device that isn’t present.

5. Run hardware diagnostics

• Restart and press F2 repeatedly to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Run the extensive test for memory and storage.
• This confirms whether hardware is functioning properly.

6. BIOS recovery attempt

• With the computer off, hold Windows + B and press the power button once.
• Keep holding the keys for 5–10 seconds.
• If the BIOS recovery screen appears, follow the prompts to repair the BIOS.

You can find detailed startup troubleshooting guidance here:
HP Notebook PCs – Computer Does Not Start and Shows No Error Lights

Your system is stuck at BIOS because the boot sequence or settings were disrupted during the update attempt. By performing a power reset, checking boot order, restoring BIOS defaults, disconnecting external devices, and running diagnostics, you can restore normal startup. If BIOS recovery is successful, the system should boot back into Windows.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye