hp pavilion laptop blank screen after a windows 11 update. Can't boot into BIOS or Safe mode.

[stevo2]

I am trying to fix a friend's Pavilion 14 laptop for him.

The laptop fails to boot. I can hear the fan whirring but the screen is not showing anything.

I have tried several hotkeys, power on off sequences, but nothing. I can't enter the BIOS or safe mode.

How do I resolve this issue and get the laptop to display something on the screen.

[Raj_05]

Hi @stevo2,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

A blank screen with no access to BIOS or Safe Mode can indicate a hardware or firmware issue. Here are steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

Perform a Hard Reset

This clears any residual electrical charge and resets the hardware:

• Disconnect all external devices (USB drives, docking stations, etc.).
• Unplug the laptop from the power source.
• Remove the battery (if possible; otherwise, skip this step).
• Press and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds to discharge any remaining power.
• Reconnect the battery and power adapter, then try turning on the laptop.

Check Display Output

To rule out a screen issue:

• Connect the laptop to an external monitor or TV using HDMI or another video output.
• Turn on the external display and the laptop. If an image appears on the external monitor, the laptop's display may be faulty.

Inspect for Beep Codes or LED Blink Patterns

HP laptops often indicate hardware failures using beep codes or LED blink patterns:

• Listen for beeping sounds or observe the LED lights on the Caps Lock or Num Lock keys.
• Count the beeps or blinks, then compare them to HP's error code documentation to identify the issue.

Perform a BIOS Recovery

If the BIOS is corrupted, attempt a BIOS recovery:

1. Create a Recovery USB:
   • On another PC, download the HP BIOS recovery software from the HP support website.
   • Follow the instructions to create a recovery USB drive.
2. Perform the Recovery:
   • Insert the USB drive into the non-booting laptop.
   • Hold down the Windows + B keys, then press the power button for 2-3 seconds.
   • Release the power button while continuing to hold Windows + B until the BIOS recovery screen appears.

Reset Memory Modules (RAM)

Reseating the RAM can resolve blank screen issues caused by bad connections:

• Turn off the laptop and unplug it.
• Open the back panel to access the RAM.
• Remove the RAM modules, clean their contacts with an anti-static cloth, and reseat them securely.
• Close the laptop and attempt to power it on.

Test with Minimal Hardware

To rule out hardware faults:

• Remove non-essential components (e.g., additional RAM modules, hard drives/SSDs).
• Attempt to boot with only essential components.

[Raj_05]

Update or Reset Firmware via Service Mode

Some HP laptops support a firmware recovery using specific key combinations:

• Press and hold Esc or F2 immediately after powering on.
• If the service menu appears, run diagnostics to check for hardware issues.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[stevo2]

Dear Alden4,

I have tried every single one of these suggestions.

Still the notebook screen is blank.

The notebook is a Pavilion model 14-ce3504ns.

This has no Hard Disc, but an Intel Optane SSD card inside.

I have tried all these suggestions, removed the battery, reseated the RAM, powering on / off sequences, but still no luck.

It is a shame as it is not that old (  the warranty only ran out in February ).

I think the only thing left to do is to purchase a SSD to USB enclosure and try and recover the files that way.

Kind Regards

Stevo2

[stevo2]

Dear Alden4,

I have tried repeatedly pressing the ESC key on power up (I can hear the fan whirring so, power is getting to the board), but a service menu does not appear. The screen is still blank.

I also tried repeating this process pressing the F2 key, but once again, no service menu appears.

That Windows 11 automatic update really did destroy this notebook.

Kind Regards

Stevo2

[Raj_05]

Hi @stevo2,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support