System BIOS update failed unable to open BIOS image file

[dw51]

I have an ENVY x360 laptop 341T3UA#ABA.  I tried to update the bios using the web install and it hung up the system.  When I tried to reboot, it just hung up on the HP black screen.  I tried to use a flash drive to update the BIOS but it gives the message:

The system BIOS recovery failed.

Unable to open the BIOS image file.

When I downloded the BIOS file to create the flash drive, there were only 3 options available.  Windows 11, Win 11 21H2 & 22H2.  I've tried all three.  I think I may be on 24H2.  Is there an updated BIOS file that I could try?

Thanks,

Don

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @dw51 

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

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—and I’m really sorry you’re stuck in this BIOS recovery loop. That’s a tough spot, especially when the system hangs on boot and the recovery tool can’t read the image file. 

Let’s break this down and explore your best options. 🧠🛠️

Hard Reset

1. Turn Off Your Laptop: Disconnect any peripherals and ensure the laptop is completely powered off.
2. Remove Power Sources: Remove the AC adapter and, if possible, the battery.
3. Hold Power Button: Press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds to drain residual power.
4. Reconnect Power: Connect the AC adapter and attempt to power on the laptop.

 

BIOS Recovery Using BIOS Recovery Feature

1. Connect to AC Power: Ensure your laptop is connected to a power source.
2. Invoke BIOS Recovery:
   • Turn off the laptop and press the power button to turn it on.
   • Immediately press the Esc key repeatedly (about once a second) until the Startup Menu opens.
   • Press F2 to access the HP System Diagnostics.
   • If available, choose Firmware Management or BIOS Management and select BIOS Recovery.

 

Creating a BIOS Recovery USB Flash Drive

Create BIOS Recovery Flash Drive:

• On another computer, visit HP’s official website to download the BIOS update package specific for your model (HP ENVY x360 15m-es0000).
• Follow instructions to use HP BIOS Update Utility for creating a recovery USB drive.
• Make sure to correctly download and save the BIOS file on the USB drive.

Use BIOS Recovery Flash Drive:

• With the laptop powered off, insert the BIOS recovery USB drive into the laptop.
• Turn on the laptop and continuously press F11 to access recovery options, selecting BIOS Recovery when available.

 

Additional Tips

• Check USB Format: Ensure your USB drive is formatted to FAT32 as this is often required for BIOS recovery.
• Correct BIOS File: Double-check that you are using the correct BIOS file compatible with your exact laptop model (341T3UA#ABA).
• Ensure Network Stability: If downloading BIOS updates, ensure your network is stable to avoid incomplete downloads.

Let me know what shows up after trying the recovery steps—I’ll help guide you through the next move. You’re doing everything right, and we’ll get your system breathing again! 💪😊

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

[dw51]

I had already tried all of that.  It turns out that my hard drive had failed.  I put a new one in and was able to install Windows.

Thanks for the reply.

Don

[Hawks_Eye]

@dw51 

Thanks for the update, Don. Nicely done figuring that out—BIOS update errors can be tricky, and diagnosing a failed hard drive isn’t always straightforward. 

Swapping in a new drive and reinstalling Windows was absolutely the right move. You’ve clearly got the skills and the persistence to troubleshoot deep-level hardware issues. 👏

If you ever need help with reinstalling drivers, recovering data from the old drive (if possible), or optimizing the new setup for performance, I'm right here. 

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye