HP Victus 15-fa0031dx does not boot after Windows/BIOS update - Caps Lock 5.3 blink code

[LucasZds]

Hello HP Community,

I have an HP Victus Gaming Laptop 15-fa0031dx. The laptop was working normally, but after a Windows 11 update it restarted and never booted again.

When I try to power it on, the screen stays black and the Caps Lock LED shows an error code: 5 long blinks and 3 short blinks, which I understand corresponds to error code 5.3.

The behavior is the following: when I press the power button, the laptop powers on for about 2 seconds, then shuts off or restarts. It repeats this about 3 times, and on the fourth attempt it shows the Caps Lock 5.3 blink code. After that, it shuts down and repeats the same pattern if I try again.

Troubleshooting already performed:

- Tested original RAM stick 1 in slot A.

- Tested original RAM stick 1 in slot B.

- Tested original RAM stick 2 in slot A.

- Tested original RAM stick 2 in slot B.

- Tested a third known-working 4 GB RAM stick.

- In all cases, the result was the same: Caps Lock 5.3 blink code.

- Tested with the SSD/NVMe removed.

- Tested with the internal battery disconnected.

- Tested with only the AC adapter connected.

- Tested with only one RAM stick installed.

- Tried BIOS Recovery using Windows + B.

- Tried BIOS Recovery using Windows + V.

- Tried with a USB recovery drive connected to the laptop’s USB port.

- Also tried disconnecting the battery for a while and holding the power button to discharge residual power.

In every case, the laptop still does not boot and returns to the same 5.3 blink code.

My question is whether this issue could be related to a recent Windows 11 update or a BIOS/firmware update installed through Windows Update. From what I have found, the 5.3 code seems to be related to the Embedded Controller or a BIOS initialization/communication issue, not a normal Windows boot problem.

Is there an official BIOS recovery method for this specific model, HP Victus 15-fa0031dx?

Is there a special BIOS Recovery procedure for this model?

Could this require external SPI BIOS reprogramming?

Are there any known reports of this model failing after a recent BIOS update?

I would appreciate any guidance before taking it to a repair shop or assuming it is a motherboard failure.

Thank you.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @LucasZds,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

Thank you for the detailed description. On the HP Victus 15‑fa0031dx, the Caps Lock 5.3 blink code indicates a BIOS/embedded controller initialization failure. Since you’ve already tested RAM, SSD, battery, and attempted BIOS recovery, the consistent 5.3 code confirms this is not a Windows issue but a firmware corruption.

Here’s what you can try next:

BIOS Recovery USB
https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/ish_3932413-2337994-16

Please refer to the above link to attempt BIOS recovery using USB. 

Let me know how it goes.

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi

[LucasZds]

Thank you for your reply.

I understand that the Caps Lock 5.3 blink code indicates a BIOS / Embedded Controller initialization failure, and not a normal Windows boot issue.

I already tried Windows + B and Windows + V several times. The laptop does not show the HP BIOS Update or BIOS Recovery screen. It powers on for about 2 seconds, restarts several times, and then shows 5 long blinks and 3 short blinks on the Caps Lock LED.

I also tested the laptop with:

• SSD/NVMe removed
• Internal battery disconnected
• AC adapter connected
• Only one RAM stick installed
• Multiple known-working RAM sticks
• Both RAM slots tested
• USB BIOS Recovery drive connected during the recovery attempts

I created the BIOS Recovery USB using another PC. I downloaded the BIOS package for my exact model, HP Victus 15-fa0031dx / 68U87UA, from HP Support and used the HP tool to create the recovery USB. The USB drive was created as HP_TOOLS.

However, the result is always the same: the laptop never reaches the HP BIOS Update / BIOS Recovery screen and always returns to the Caps Lock 5.3 blink code.

I would also like to add an important detail: the issue started immediately after a Windows 11 / firmware update. I understand this does not necessarily mean Windows itself is the direct cause, but it may have triggered the failure.

I also read that Microsoft and HP have been deploying changes related to the new Secure Boot 2023 certificates, since older Secure Boot certificates are expiring in 2026. From what I understand, these changes may involve UEFI firmware variables/keys such as Secure Boot DB and KEK, not only the operating system.

My question is: if that update attempted to apply any firmware, BIOS, Secure Boot, or UEFI key changes, could it have corrupted the BIOS/EC initialization and caused the laptop to no longer enter BIOS Recovery?

Also, does the HP BIOS Recovery process on this model require the EC/firmware to initialize a specific part of the BIOS/UEFI firmware storage or memory first? I am asking because the laptop does not reach the recovery screen at all, even with the official HP_TOOLS USB Recovery drive connected.

Could you please confirm whether there is any additional recovery method for the HP Victus 15-fa0031dx / 68U87UA?

And if the laptop still does not enter HP BIOS Recovery after using the correct HP_TOOLS USB recovery drive, does this mean the BIOS/EC needs to be externally reprogrammed with an SPI programmer, or that the motherboard requires service?

Thank you.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @LucasZds,

Thank you for getting back.

The Windows + B / V recovery methods depend on the EC being able to hand off control to the BIOS recovery block.

If that recovery block itself is corrupted, the laptop will never reach the recovery screen, even with a correctly prepared HP_TOOLS USB.

That’s why your USB stick isn’t being recognized: the EC can’t initialize far enough to load recovery.

We understand how important it is to have your device functioning properly, and we're here to assist you.​

To ensure your device receives the appropriate care, we recommend visiting an authorized HP service center. 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.​

Kuroi_Kenshi

Best Regards,