Long BIOS / POST startup HP Elitebook 840 G8

[Rajaoma]

I am experiencing a slow startup issue on my HP EliteBook 840 G8.

The main delay happens before Windows starts, during the HP BIOS / Wolf Security startup phase. This part takes around 30 seconds, while the complete boot time is approximately 43 seconds.

My laptop has an Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and an M.2 NVMe SSD, so this boot time seems unusually long.

Windows itself loads quickly once the BIOS phase is finished, so the issue appears to be related to the BIOS, HP Wolf Security, or HP Sure Start initialization.

I suspect the problem may have started after a BIOS update.

Could you please confirm whether this is a known issue and advise if a BIOS update, downgrade, recovery, or configuration change could fix the slow startup?

[Deep_World]

Hi  @Rajaoma 
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out.

 I understand that your HP EliteBook 840 G8 is taking longer than expected during the BIOS/POST phase, particularly at the HP startup screen before Windows begins to load. Since Windows starts normally once the BIOS process completes, it does seem worthwhile to investigate the BIOS and hardware initialization process further.

To assist you more accurately, could you kindly share the following details:

• Approximately when you first noticed the longer startup time
• Was the behaviour observed immediately after a BIOS update or any recent hardware/software changes?
• Are any external devices connected during startup (USB drives, docking station, external monitor, printer, etc.)?

In the meantime, kindly try the following steps:

1. Load BIOS Default Settings
   • Restart the notebook and repeatedly tap F10 to enter the BIOS.
   • Select Restore Defaults or Load Setup Defaults.
   • Save the changes and restart the PC.
2. Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics - click here for steps 
   • Turn off the notebook.
   • Turn it back on and repeatedly press F2.
   • Run the System Test and check if any hardware issues are detected.
3. Disconnect External Devices
   • Remove all USB devices, docking stations, memory cards, and external displays.
   • Restart the notebook and observe whether the POST time improves.
4. Review Startup Hardware Initialization
   • In BIOS, verify whether any unnecessary boot devices are prioritized ahead of the internal NVMe SSD.
   • Ensure the SSD is listed as the primary boot device.

Additionally, HP provides a document that may be helpful for troubleshooting startup and boot-related concerns: HP PCs - Computer Does Not Start and Emits an LED or Beep Code - Click here 

I hope this helps.