HP ENVY 15 Bootup issue Windows 11

[Glast]

Hi, I'm having an issue with booting up my laptop.

I've been using my HP Envy 15-ep1xxx for around 4 years now.  Around 1 month ago, I was playing a game on my laptop when it suddenly froze for around 15 seconds, crashed, and took me to a page to the effect of "Your Computer ran into an issue, we'll restart for you." I was on the page for 15 minutes, and the progress was still at 0%, so I turned off my laptop and turned it on again. Since then, it's been in a boot loop: Turn on laptop > hp boot screen with wheel spinning > runs for like 10 minutes and fails to boot > Preparing Automatic Repair with wheel spinning > runs for like 10 minutes and fails > Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart. We'll restart for you (stop code: DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG) > repeat. 

I've run all the tests in the BIOS symptom, system, component, memory, storage, quick, extensive, etc. Passed every test. I created a bootable Windows 11 USB to see if I could reinstall Windows. When I go to install Windows by booting from the USB, I find that there is no drive to install Windows on. My laptop isn't detecting my SSD. So I install the correct RST driver for my laptop on the USB, and try to install that driver from the Windows install page on the bootable Windows USB boot. The install doesn't work, and the laptop eventually crashes while trying to install the driver. 

I've opened my laptop up, tried booting by removing each RAM stick and alternating. Still doesn't work. Tried booting by swapping the SSD slot. Also didn't work. I took my laptop to a repair shop, and they couldn't fix it; they told me it was a motherboard issue. I should probably get another laptop entirely. 

Is there anything I can do to fix my laptop, or should I simply give it up and get a new one? Anything I'm missing or any suggestions? Any help would be appreciated. 

[Deep_World]

Hi  @Glast,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I  understand how  this must feel, especially after taking the time to run diagnostics and even visiting a repair shop. 

Here are a few specific steps worth trying:

1.Check BIOS Storage Settings

Restart your laptop and press F10 to enter BIOS.

Under Storage or Advanced, verify if the SSD is detected. 

2.Update BIOS

If your SSD isn’t showing up, a BIOS update can sometimes restore compatibility. You can download the latest BIOS update for your exact model from HP’s support website  https://support.hp.com/ using another PC and apply it via USB.

3.Reseat SSD

Since you’ve already tried swapping slots, also ensure the SSD contacts are clean and firmly seated. If possible, test the SSD in another computer to confirm whether it’s functional.

4.External Boot Test

If you have access to another SSD or HDD, try connecting it externally (via USB enclosure) and see if the system can boot from it. This helps confirm whether the issue is with the SSD or the motherboard. 

I hope this helps. 

[Glast]

Hi, sorry for the late reply! 

For suggestion #1:

Above is the image of what my BIOS Setup Utility Page looks like. There is no Storage or Advanced section. However, when I go to Configuration > UEFI HII Configuration > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology, I see "Optane Volume: >Intel Optane, 476.9GB". And on following that, I see the OPTANE VOLUME INFO page that looks as follows:

OPTANE VOLUME INFO

Suggestion #2: 

I downloaded the latest BIOS update for my laptop (at https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/closure/hp-envy-15.6-inch-laptop-pc-15-ep1000/model/2100648314?...) on my 128 GB USB Flash Drive. Though when I go to try to install the update, it doesn't show up. I boot my laptop > Spam ESC > F2 (System Diagnostics) > Firmware Management > BIOS Update > Select BIOS Image To Apply > ESD-USB - USB Drive, but the BIOS Update that I put on the flash drive doesn't show up. I've formatted the USB to FAT32 and have the installed BIOS update as the sole item in it. I looked into it a bit, and I'm seeing people claim that I need a flash drive that's 32 GB at most, so my current 128 GB won't work. Is this true? What should I do next? I simply downloaded the executable BIOS Update as is from the HP link above and copied it to the USB Drive. Is this the correct way? Relevant images below.
BIOS Update not showing upChoosing USB DriveBios Management UpdateBIOS AppearanceThe BIOS Update in my USB Drive.

Suggestion #3:

I opened up the laptop, reseated the SSD, and tried booting again. The issue persisted.

Suggestion #4: 

I don't have an external SSD, unfortunately. So I can't try this suggestion.

I watched a video (https://youtu.be/tuNBmO38aiY?si=fv9hnynSXYCERCHc) where the person was having the same issue as me, and they disabled Optane Volume to fix it. Is this applicable to my situation? 

Thank you.

[Deep_World · Accepted solution]

Hi @Glast,
 

Thanks for your response and Thank you for sharing the BIOS screenshots and the detailed steps you’ve already tried  that helps a lot in narrowing things down.
 I also checked the video you mentioned  and : it’s specifically related to the HP ENVY x360 m Convertible Laptop 15m-es1023dx, where disabling Intel Optane/IRST RAID resolved the boot issue. Since your model is the HP ENVY 15 (ep series), the BIOS layout and options differ, so the same fix may not apply directly.
 

Here are a few clarifications and next steps:

1.BIOS Update via USB: You’re correct that HP recommends using a USB drive of 32 GB , formatted to FAT32, for BIOS updates. Larger drives (like your 128 GB) often cause detection issues. Also, instead of copying the executable directly, you’ll need to run the downloaded BIOS update file on another PC first  it will create the proper recovery files on the USB automatically. That way, the BIOS update utility can recognize it.

2.Intel Optane Volume: Since your BIOS shows the Optane Volume under Intel Rapid Storage Technology, it suggests the SSD is configured in RAID/Optane mode. If the volume is corrupted, it can prevent boot. Disabling or resetting the Optane configuration sometimes helps, but this process can risk data loss if not done carefully.

3.SSD Reseat: You’ve already confirmed the SSD is properly seated, which rules out a loose connection.

Given the persistence of the issue and the complexity of Optane/IRST configurations, the safest course now is to have the system inspected by the service center technician. The service center can:

Properly reconfigure or disable Optane without risking data loss.

Apply the BIOS update using the correct recovery media.

Test the SSD and motherboard to confirm hardware health.

Our certified technicians can provide a thorough diagnosis and offer the best solutions to address the issue.​

You can locate the nearest HP service center using our Service Center Locator:​

🔗 HP Service Center Locator

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.​

Best Regards,

Deep_World

[Glast]

Alright, so I have managed to fix the issue, and my laptop is now working!

Suggestion #1:
I was able to successfully update my BIOS via USB after running the downloaded BIOS update on my other laptop first, and having the proper files in the USB drive. The BIOS update didn't change anything, though. The laptop still didn't start, and attempting to install Windows still showed that the laptop wasn't detecting the SSD.

So I ended up doing the same thing as in the video I linked previously.

Suggestion #2:
In my BIOS configuration page, I disabled the Optane volume and selected to retain all my drive's data. The process took about 30 minutes, and afterwards, I saved the changes and exited. On rebooting, I found that my laptop loaded on the HP page for around 5 seconds, and booted up like normal, as if nothing was ever wrong. My laptop has been working just fine since then, and I've experienced no bootup issues. All my data is present on the drive as well. 

What I still don't understand is how the issue started, and the fix is so simple. Just my personal curiosity at this point, but I can't help wondering if the Optane volume was always active and suddenly became problematic after the crash I described in my original post, or if the Optane volume activated itself following the crash, hence the need to disable it to boot properly. Either way, I'm glad my laptop is working now, and there seems to be no lingering effects. 

Thank you for your help!