Started up laptop and screen went fuzzy. Just need a bit of reassurance I think

[Envy202020]

HP Envy 360 Laptop

Hey guys,

I think I just need a bit of reassurance right now. I was charging my laptop and decided to turn it on. The HP logo loaded, but when the start up screen loaded it was very slow and suddenly the screen went very fuzzy, and then went black. In panic, I turned the laptop off, then on again, and I was still met with the same black screen-not even the HP loading logo appeared. So looking through this website for solutions on how to get the laptop to reboot, I turned the laptop off and held down the power button for a long time and the laptop started as normal. The only change I can see is the start up picture and wallpaper has changed, a few apps have updated, and I now have a Meet Now logo in the taskbar. Also, the only other problem I have had with the laptop is the most recent update (2020-11 Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64 (KB4586878) ) hasn't been able to download and install, even though I've tried to do it manually.

So, I think what I'm asking for is how do I find out what error occurred for the laptop to go black screen and how do I find out if any damage has been done to the laptop in my panic actions?

Thanks for your help! 

[WAWood]

@Envy202020 

I wish I had reassuring news for you -- but I don't.  The issues you described can all be caused by the same problem --  failing drive.  When that happens, you have inconsistent and/or failing boot, missing files, changed settings, and failing Windows Updates -- due to file corruptions on the drive.

And yes, the problems could have other causes but this one issue is central to all of them.

So, let's check the drive first, because if it is failing, it would need to be replaced and there is no point then in doing anything else until we confirm that.

If your PC is new enough to support UEFI, you can use these steps to test the hard drive: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If not, to check the drive you have to follow these steps:
1) Press Esc key repeatedly, several times a second, while rebooting the laptop. Do NOT hold the key down, just press it over and over.
2) Eventually, you will see an HP Startup Menu
3) Press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.
If the drive checks out OK, then report that and I can provide you options for reinstalling Windows on your PC.