Request: Unlock Advanced BIOS Settings – HP Pavilion Gaming 15-ec0xxx (Ryzen 5 3550H)

[NARAINKARTHIK]

Hello HP Community,

I’m using an HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15-ec0xxx with an AMD Ryzen 5 3550H, and I’m currently on BIOS version F.20. I’d like to request guidance or support for accessing advanced BIOS options (such as power management, CPU core control, memory tuning, etc.).

I understand that some options are hidden by default for system stability, but I’m hoping for:

• A way to unlock the advanced BIOS tab (officially or with a service tool)

• Or a custom BIOS version with extended options

• Or at least a confirmation if unlocking these options is officially not possible

I’ve already tried:

• The Fn + Tab trick in BIOS (didn’t work)

• Updating to the latest BIOS version

• Using tools like HWiNFO, ThrottleStop, etc.

This is purely for optimization and experimentation — I’m aware of the risks and would accept responsibility.

Would HP consider unlocking this (even temporarily) or provide a service advisory?

Thanks in advance!

Narainkarthik
[System: HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15-ec0xxx | BIOS F.20 | Windows 11 Home | Ryzen 5 3550H | 16 GB RAM]

[Bill_To]

Greetings @NARAINKARTHIK 

Welcome to the HP Forum.

HP configures the AMI UEFI (BIOS) on all HP MBs.

There are no hidden BIOS settings. What you see is what you get.

Regards

[NARAINKARTHIK]

Problem Summary:

I'm experiencing a performance issue where the CPU clock is locked at 0.4 GHz (400 MHz) while the system is plugged into the OEM charger - am currently using OEM charger as my original charger got short circuited. This happens even under load, severely affecting performance. The issue does not improve after restarting or adjusting power plans.

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What I've Tried:

• Installed MSI Afterburner and verified clock settings.

• Checked HWiNFO logs — CPU gets stuck at 400 MHz while temperatures are within normal range.

• Observed PROCHOT (Processor Hot) activation in HWiNFO, even though temperatures are not critical, suggesting possible power delivery or firmware throttling.

• Used ThrottleStop to monitor behavior (though limited by BIOS lock).

• BIOS settings are very limited — cannot change power or thermal limits.

• Confirmed that I'm using the original HP OEM charger (150W) bought from HP showroom.

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Request:

I suspect this might be related to firmware-level throttling or a power delivery issue. Please advise if there's:

• A way to unlock advanced BIOS settings to disable PROCHOT or adjust power limits.

• A known issue with this model's OEM charger triggering power limit throttling.

• Any firmware updates or fixes that address this low clock lock issue.

[Bill_To]

Greetings @NARAINKARTHIK 

Sorry to see your PC's processor is locked at 400 MHz.

The latest BIOS update (F.19) offered by HP for your MB is available Here.

Do you recall how your PC received BIOS version F.20? Did the CPU problem start after updating the BIOS to F.20?

Maybe BIOS version F.20 is causing the CPU problem. Maybe BIOS version F.20 was installed by Windows Update?

It is possible to install an earlier BIOS version but HP generally precludes this option.

You would have to clear the current BIOS F.20 .bin and .sig files located in the Windows EFI System partition or reinstall Windows to clear the EFI partition. The BIOS will update to F.20 again if you don't do this.

It is also wise to disable HP firmware updates from Windows Update. You can stop HP firmware updates offered by Windows as follows:

Enter Advanced System Settings in Search. Select the appropriate search result. Select the Hardware tab within the System Properties dialog box.

Select Device Installation Settings.

Select No. Save changes. Select Apply then OK.

Then flash the BIOS using F.19 outside of the operating system. You should be able to create a bootable USB BIOS recovery drive using BIOS version F.19.

Flashing the BIOS is your decision. Be patient when doing a BIOS update, don't interrupt this update and loss of power during a BIOS update can corrupt the BIOS.

You would be modifying the Windows EFI System partition and flashing the BIOS at your own risk.

Do a full system image backup before modifying the EFI system partition. There is not much in the way of proactive recovery options available before flashing the BIOS. The BIOS flash works or it corrupts the BIOS.

Regards

[NARAINKARTHIK]

Hi,

[NARAINKARTHIK]

Hi,

I attempted to boot from a USB stick containing the F.19 version of the BIOS, as previously recommended. However, the USB device no longer appears in the system boot menu, and I received a warning during the process. I’m currently running Windows 11, version 24H2, Home Single Language. The system was working well until I encountered an issue with the AC adapter.

This is an OEM device purchased directly from an HP showroom, so I’m unsure why the system is now throttling down to 400 MHz. Previously, I had successfully created and used the same BIOS USB stick while on Windows 10, and it worked without issue.

Since upgrading from Windows 10 (22H2) to Windows 11 (24H2), the BIOS on the USB stick is no longer being recognized. I would prefer to remain on Windows 11 (24H2) if possible, so I’d like to know whether there is a safe way to roll back the BIOS version or if there are any other recommended steps to resolve this problem.

I understand that the current motherboard BIOS officially supports up to Windows 10 22H2 with the F.19 Rev.A version. However, I’m curious if a BIOS rollback is possible under these conditions and, if so, what the safest approach would be.

[Bill_To]

Greetings @NARAINKARTHIK 

Having an AC adapter problem would be an issue. It is recommended to do BIOS updates using AC power.

The HP bootable USB BIOS recovery drive would bypass the operating system if you can get the PC to boot to this BIOS recovery drive. It would not matter what Windows version (W10 or W11) you are using.

Did your clear the existing BIOS .bin and .sig files located in the Windows EFI System partition? It would be tough to stay on the older BIOS version if you could do the BIOS rollback. The PC will update to BIOS version F.20 again.

The following BIOS recovery steps available at this HP Site should be used when doing a USB BIOS recovery:

You may need a local PC tech if you cannot flash the BIOS to an earlier version. A local PC tech could use a special AMI flash utility or try a Serial Firmware programmer connected directly to the BIOS chip.

I'm sorry, flashing a HP BIOS to an earlier version is a fairly complex procedure. And you should also solve the AC adapter problem.

Regards

[StacyStrong]

Advanced BIOS options like CPU tuning and power management could enhance gaming performance, but HP locks these for system stability. While modding is tempting for optimization, it’s risky. Gamers should consider external tools or contact HP support, especially for a life simulation game like Bitlife mod APK, for safe alternatives.