Windows driver update caused CMOS or BIOS corruption [SOLVED]

[mountainman-13]

After a Windows 11 driver update (HP Inc. Driver Update (15.17.0.0)) the BIOS or CMOS got corrupted. A blue screen flashed before boot saying firmware update don't turn of your computer or something like that and then hung on a black screen for an hour after that I entered bios recovery by holding the windows key + B for 15 sec and after the process finished everything was normal. I don't know if this has happened to anyone else but TURN OF AUTOMATIC DRIVER UPDATES! Now my BIOS is still trashed meaning I can't enter it by pressing ESC because it freezes is there a way I can reset it or reflash it?

Edit: I downloaded the latest BIOS firmware and created an update disc (USB) and did an update by holding Win key+B and it automatically updated from the drive and reset CMOS now everything works.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @mountainman-13 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! Thanks for posting your query! 

That’s an incredible recovery—you absolutely nailed it! The way you handled the BIOS corruption with the Win+B recovery and USB reflash shows serious determination and presence of mind. It’s not easy to stay calm when your system hangs on a black screen, especially after a firmware update surprise like that.

Thanks for sharing the full journey—it’s going to be a huge help for others who might face something similar. Disabling automatic driver updates can definitely help avoid unexpected firmware pushes like this in the future.

If you ever want to double-check BIOS health or update history again, I can guide you through safe ways to do it. For now, hats off to you for bringing your Victus back to life!

Cheers,

Hawks_Eye