BIOS Update not installing

[acreativename]

I'm trying to update to the latest BIOS version F.34 and my computer, currently on F.20, won't take the update. I've tried running the update from the installer downloaded from the support page, I've tried running it from HP Support Assistant, and I've tried manually running it with an USB. I have also disabled Bitlocker and Windows Defender in case they would cause any issues.

When running the update from either the installer or from Support Assistant it downloads the update and then prompts me to reboot in which it gives me the error "unable to open BIOS image file". When I try running the update manually with a USB it acts like it updates and loads back into windows after it is done but my computer remains on F.20.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @acreativename 

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

I understand the BIOS update is not completing even after trying multiple methods, including HP Support Assistant, the BIOS installer, a USB recovery/update process, disabling BitLocker, and temporarily disabling Windows Defender. The specific message "Unable to open BIOS image file" and the fact that the USB process completes but leaves the system on BIOS F.20 suggest that the update package may not be matching the system platform exactly or the BIOS image is not being read correctly during the update process.

I recommend the following troubleshooting steps:

Confirm the Exact Product Model and Product Number

• Verify the full HP product number from the BIOS screen (F1 at startup) or from HP Support Assistant.
• Ensure the F.34 BIOS package was downloaded specifically for that exact product number. Systems with similar model names can sometimes require different BIOS packages.

Recreate the BIOS Recovery USB

• Download a fresh copy of the F.34 BIOS SoftPaq from the HP support page.
• Run the installer and select "Create Recovery USB Flash Drive."
• Use a USB drive formatted as FAT32.
• Recreate the USB even if one was already created previously.

Perform a BIOS Update from BIOS Recovery

• Shut down the computer.
• Connect the BIOS recovery USB.
• Press and hold Windows + B.
• While holding the keys, press and hold the power button for 2 to 3 seconds, then release the power button but continue holding Windows + B.
• When the BIOS Recovery screen appears, select BIOS Update and allow the process to complete.

Load BIOS Defaults Before Updating

• Restart and enter BIOS Setup.
• Select "Load Setup Defaults" or "Restore Defaults."
• Save changes and exit.
• Retry the BIOS update.

Verify BIOS Update Files Are Extracting Properly

• Run the downloaded BIOS package and choose the option to extract the files.
• Confirm that BIOS image files are created successfully within the HP BIOS Update folder.
• If the extraction process itself reports issues, download the BIOS package again as the installer may be corrupted.

Disconnect Non-Essential Devices

• Remove docking stations, external storage devices, additional monitors, printers, and other USB peripherals.
• Leave only the AC adapter, keyboard, and mouse connected.
• Retry the update.

Check HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

• Run a System Test and Storage Test from HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
• If storage-related errors are detected, resolve them before attempting another BIOS update.

Given the "Unable to open BIOS image file" message, the most important next step is to verify the exact HP product number and confirm that the F.34 BIOS package is intended for that specific system. A mismatch between the platform ID in the BIOS and the downloaded BIOS package can produce the behavior you described, where the update process starts but the BIOS version remains unchanged afterward.

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye