I need to access advanced settings in BIOS

[D1stant]

I have read many forums and watched many videos and every way to "unlock" advanced settings has either been patched or not available to me, I have an extremely underpowered computer, with other "gaming" laptops with the exact specs being higher performance purely due to higher clock speeds plus more vram. I understand for the standard consumer it should be blocked to prevent them breaking their computer, I believe there should be a way to unlock these without having to pay the premium name of "Gaming" laptop, because everything is the same apart from maybe some more RAM (Which is upgradable) , and flashy RGB lights.

In conclusion I would like to know if there is any way for me to acess my own computer as I did pay for the whole computer, not to be locked out of my own property.

[NonSequitur777]

@D1stant,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Thank you for sharing your concerns. Trust me: I completely understand your frustration -it’s a topic many users encounter when they feel their hardware's potential is restricted by locked settings. Here’s some insight into your situation:

1. Locked BIOS/Advanced Settings:

   • Many manufacturers, including HP, lock advanced BIOS settings to prevent accidental changes that could damage hardware or void warranties. While this is intended to protect most users, it can feel limiting for those who are technically inclined and understand the risks.

2. Performance Differences:

   • You’re absolutely correct that "gaming" laptops often have higher clock speeds and VRAM. However, this performance difference isn’t just about BIOS settings. Gaming laptops typically feature custom thermal solutions (like better cooling systems) and optimized power delivery to support those higher clocks sustainably.

3. Unlocking Advanced BIOS Settings:

   • Unfortunately, for HP consumer laptops, there’s no officially supported way to unlock advanced BIOS features. Attempts to modify the BIOS using unofficial tools or firmware could:
     • Void your warranty.
     • Brick your device, making it unusable.
   • Some users explore tools like custom BIOS mods (e.g., InsydeH2O tools), but I must emphasize this carries significant risks.

4. Practical Solutions:

   • Overclocking Software: While BIOS access might be limited, tools like Intel XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility) or AMD Ryzen Master can allow for CPU tweaks, depending on your processor.
   • GPU Tweaks: Software like MSI Afterburner lets you adjust GPU settings, including clock speeds and VRAM usage.
   • Performance Boosting Tips:
     • Upgrade your RAM (as you mentioned).
     • Replace your thermal paste and improve airflow to sustain higher performance.
     • Optimize your system by disabling unnecessary startup processes or switching to a lightweight operating system.

5. Ownership and Control:

   • Your point about owning the hardware is valid. It’s a broader industry debate about balancing user autonomy with manufacturer support and liability. While manufacturers currently lean toward protecting the majority, your feedback is vital in pushing for more customizable systems in the future.

If you share your laptop's exact model, I’d be happy to explore specific upgrades or tweaks/optimizations that could boost performance within your system’s current limitations.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[D1stant]

I understand that some if not most gaming laptops have better cooling systems etc. but some gaming laptops i know have almost the exact layout but higher clocks & vram limits, however my issue isn't about the gaming laptops, my issue is that i would like to unlock my BIOS because I 100% know that my current laptop has been underclocked, due to unknown reasons because if I could unlock the BIOS which I heard HP themselves can do, I will be able to have this laptop run comfortably purely because if a gpu is starved of VRAM and playing standard games or even idling is pushing the VRAM limits than it will damage the igpu.

Further into your reply you list many ways to improve performance which is helpful but I have already maximised everything I can do, ive boosted the RAM, cleared any temporary or unneeded files, stopped all unnecessary  startup ads, and even actively using AMD adrenalin, the consistant bottleneck is the limited VRAM which can be easily expanded from the RAM if I was allowed to control My Own Laptop, another thing i would like to add is that ive had my warrenty expired already and havent renewed it so there is no concern in voiding the warrenty & I understand the risks and will not go over the maximum vram that the Ryzen 5500u can handle which is 2GB of vram but on my laptop it has been completely annihilated to 512mb which is only 25% of the full power

[NonSequitur777]

@D1stant,

Then unfortunately, the bottom-line is this: there’s no officially -or unofficially supported way to unlock advanced BIOS features.

If you are looking for unrestricted BIOS/XMP access, the laptop you got isn't it.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[D1stant]

Ok well is there a trade in option because that will literally be half a thousand down the drain