HP Victus 15-fb1002AX stuck on firmware update after BIOS update

[AkashSN]

I own an HP Victus 15-fb1002AX. Yesterday, I installed Windows 11 after previously running Linux for several months.

Through Windows Update I installed all available updates, including a BIOS update. The BIOS update completed successfully, but the system then started a "Firmware Update" process.

The firmware update screen has been stuck for more than 2 hours. The fan is running, the keyboard backlight is on, and the system feels warm, but there’s no progress bar movement or reboot.

I have not force powered off yet because I’m concerned about damaging the system.

Could this be related to switching from Linux to Windows (missing HP firmware dependencies)? What is the safest way to exit this update and get my laptop working again without bricking it?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @AkashSN 

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

Thanks for explaining the situation clearly. It’s completely valid to be cautious in this kind of scenario, especially with firmware updates. 

Let’s work through this carefully to get your system responsive again without risking damage.

What’s Happening?

The system may appear stuck during the firmware update, but it’s possible the process is either:

Running very slowly

Hung due to a conflict (possibly related to the OS switch or incomplete driver setup)

Since the system shows signs of life (fan running, keyboard lit, device warm), it’s unlikely to be fully bricked.

What You Should Do

Step 1: Wait a Little Longer (If You’ve Waited Less Than 3 Hours)

Sometimes firmware updates take more time, especially if it’s the first after switching OS platforms. If the system hasn't been unresponsive for more than 3 hours, consider giving it a bit more time.

 

Step 2: Perform a Hard Shutdown

If it's been stuck for several hours with no visible progress:

Press and hold the power button for about 10–15 seconds until the system fully powers off.

Wait for 10–20 seconds.

Press the power button again to restart.

The system may either boot normally or attempt to complete the firmware update.

 

Step 3: Try a Power Reset

This helps clear any residual power that might be causing a hang.

Unplug the charger.

Hold the power button for 15–30 seconds.

Plug the charger back in and try powering the system on.

 

Step 4: BIOS Recovery (If It Fails to Boot)

If your laptop won’t boot after the hard shutdown:

Power it off completely.

Press and hold the Windows key + B (or Windows + V, depending on model).

While holding those keys, press and hold the power button for 2–3 seconds.

Release the power button but keep holding the other keys until the screen lights up or recovery starts.

If the BIOS recovery is triggered, follow the on-screen instructions.

After It Boots Successfully

If you're able to boot back into Windows:

Open the HP software or utility center and check if any remaining firmware or driver updates are pending.

Avoid running multiple update types simultaneously (BIOS, drivers, etc.) right after switching from Linux—allow a reboot between each.

Important Tips

Keep the charger plugged in at all times during recovery or update processes.

Don’t interrupt updates unless there’s been no progress for a long period (2+ hours).

BIOS updates usually finalize after the first reboot; if it rebooted already and stuck during "firmware update", the BIOS part likely completed.

Let me know what stage your system is at now and I’ll help with the next step. You're handling this well—just take it one step at a time.

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

[kavin2711]

Hi I'm also facing the same situation. If I try to restart will the mother board bricks or it restarts normally

[Hawks_Eye]

@kavin2711 Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Good question — and I understand why you’re worried. A failed BIOS flash can brick a system, but what you’re describing (stuck on firmware update after the BIOS update already completed) is not the same as interrupting an active BIOS flash.

Here’s the distinction:

The BIOS update itself (the critical part that risks bricking) runs before Windows loads, rewrites the system firmware, and then reboots.

After that, HP often runs a firmware component update (for embedded controller, management engine, or other subsystems). If that process hangs, the BIOS chip itself is usually already safe.

That means in your situation, if it has been stuck for hours with no progress, it’s generally safe to force a restart — the worst-case outcome is that the firmware component update fails and Windows retries it later, not that the motherboard becomes unusable.

Steps you can try safely:

Hold the power button for ~10–15 seconds until the laptop shuts off.

Wait ~20 seconds, then power it back on.

If it boots, let Windows load and then check HP Support Assistant or Windows Update for any pending updates.

If it doesn’t boot, use the BIOS recovery shortcut (Windows + B or Windows + V while pressing Power).

Key reassurance:
Interrupting the stuck post-BIOS firmware process usually does not brick the board — only killing it in the middle of the main BIOS flash itself carries that risk. Since yours already rebooted into the “firmware update” stage, the BIOS core update should be complete.

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