Windows 10 will not boot

[PussEKatt]

I have had this laptop for a number of years and it has run smoothly without any problems.Two days ago I booted up the PC and got a message about downloading Windows features,after about 30 minutes I got another message saying something like Windows could not install features.Undoing changes.And thats it.In 2 days I have not been able to get any further than that.Tonight I was going to try starting the PC and shutting it down 3 times,but after the first start and forced shutdown the PC went completly dead.And thats where I am at right now,with a completly dead PC,

Remember this is the first time I have had this problem for about 3/4 years.I have not made any changes or installed any new programes,this PC has NOT been altered in any way for at least 2 years. 

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@PussEKatt, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Based on what you’ve said, here’s a breakdown of what likely happened and how you can recover your laptop:

 

It sounds like Windows attempted to install optional features or updates (possibly related to .NET Framework or language packs), failed to complete, and then got stuck in an "Undoing changes" loop. Your attempt to force recovery (3 hard shutdowns to trigger recovery mode) may have interrupted the process critically, and now the system won’t power on — likely due to:

• A corrupted bootloader or system files.
• Power management/BIOS hang due to improper shutdown.
• Potential hardware response failure (but not very likely if it was working 2 days ago).

Step-by-Step Recovery Options:

Perform a Power Reset (to bring it back to life)

Do this first:

1. Disconnect charger and all USB peripherals.
2. Hold the power button for at least 15 seconds.
3. Plug the charger back in without turning on the laptop yet.
4. Now press the power button again.

If the laptop still shows no lights, no signs of life, try this variation:

• Remove the battery (if removable) and hold power for 30 seconds, then reconnect only charger and try powering on.

Access Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If the PC turns on again and shows "Undoing changes" or similar:

1. Force shutdown 3 times in a row during the Windows logo or spinning dots screen (hold power button).
2. This should trigger Windows Recovery Environment.

From WinRE:

• Go to Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• If that fails, return and go to System Restore (choose a point before this issue).
• If no restore point, go to Command Prompt and run:

sfc /scannow 
chkdsk C: /f /r 
 

Boot from Windows 10 Installation Media

If the PC is still dead or recovery options don’t load:

1. On another PC, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
2. Create a bootable USB drive (at least 8GB).
3. Plug it into your laptop.
4. Boot the laptop — you may need to press Esc, F9, or F12 (depending on brand) to open the boot menu.
5. Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Startup Repair.

If Nothing Works

If it still doesn't power on at all (no lights, no fan spin), it may be:

• A failed power circuit (coincidental with Windows update issue).
• CMOS or BIOS got corrupted.

Then:

• Try a CMOS reset (removing CMOS battery for 5–10 minutes, if accessible).

Or please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[PussEKatt]

Hi and thank you very much for that.My laptop booted up after the first option,but what I dont understand is that I have Windows updates turned off,so why did Windows try to download new features ?

[Max3Aj]

@PussEKatt, You're very welcome — I'm really glad to hear your laptop booted up again! That’s a great first step.

Now, about your question:
 

“Why did Windows try to download new features even though updates are turned off?”
 

Here’s the likely explanation:

Windows 10 Home/Pro doesn’t truly let you turn off updates permanently:

• Even if you’ve disabled updates through Settings, Group Policy, or Services, Microsoft has certain categories of updates that override user settings — especially:
• Security patches
• Feature-on-demand updates (e.g., .NET Framework, language packs, handwriting recognition)
• "Optional Features" updates like Bluetooth enhancements or fonts.

Scheduled Maintenance or Task Scheduler jobs may have re-enabled update components.

• Windows has built-in tasks that can retrigger update checks during idle times.

A Microsoft Defender update or Store app update may have initiated a background update check.

A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Regards, 

Max3Aj