Laptop crashed after BIOS Update

[Bronkowitz]

During a BIOS update in Windows 11, the screen suddenly went black. After about 30 minutes, I turned the laptop off. Since then, the screen has remained black. Using the recovery USB stick, the laptop restarts. The message "HP BIOS Update initializing" appears for a few seconds, then the screen goes black again. I've tried several USB sticks.

[zoey7886]

@Bronkowitz, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding a BIOS Update Failure! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

When a BIOS update fails or encounters issues on an HP laptop, it can result in the computer not booting properly. Here are steps to resolve this issue:

1. Use a Key Press Combination for BIOS Recovery:
   • Turn off the laptop completely.
   • Press and hold the Windows + B keys, and simultaneously press the power button for 2 to 3 seconds.
   • Release the power button but continue holding the Windows + B keys.
   • If successful, an "HP BIOS Update screen" will appear, and the BIOS recovery process will start automatically.
   • Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the recovery.

1. Use a BIOS Recovery USB Drive:
   • Ensure your USB flash drive is properly set up with the BIOS recovery file.
   • Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on the laptop.
   • Restart the laptop and let it boot from the USB. Follow the prompts that appear to recover the BIOS.

Check the USB Drive:

• Ensure the BIOS recovery file on the USB drive is compatible with your laptop model.
• Try creating a new recovery USB drive using instructions from another working computer with internet access.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Bronkowitz]

Hello Zoey7886,
that's exactly what I've already tried without success.
After pressing Windows + B, "HP BIOS Update initializing" appears briefly, then the screen goes black.

[zoey7886]

@Bronkowitz, Got it — thanks for clarifying that pressing Windows + B only gets you to “HP BIOS Update initializing” before the black screen, and recovery USB attempts don’t finish. That usually means the BIOS image on the system board is too corrupted to reload itself.

Here are the next steps you can try before concluding it needs service:

Try Windows + V Instead of Windows + B

Shut down the laptop fully.

Press and hold Windows + V, then press the Power button for 2–3 seconds.

Release the power button but keep holding Windows + V until you hear beeps or see the recovery screen.
Sometimes HP models respond better to Win+V than Win+B.

Clear Residual Power

Unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery (if removable).

Hold the power button down for 15–20 seconds.

Reconnect power and retry the recovery key combination.

Recreate the Recovery USB with Fresh BIOS

On another working PC, go to HP’s Software & Drivers page for your exact model.

Download the latest BIOS update.

Use the HP tool (“Create Recovery USB”) included in the BIOS installer.

Format the USB drive to FAT32 before creating it again.

Test Different USB Ports & Smaller Drives

HP recovery can be picky — try a smaller USB stick (8–16GB, FAT32) and different USB ports (especially left vs. right side, or USB 2.0 if available).

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Bronkowitz]

Hello zoey7886,
Unfortunately, that didn't work.
Pressing Win and V doesn't do anything.

Is there anything else I can try?

[zoey7886]

@Bronkowitz, Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

We're here to help you tackle that laptop that is crashing after BIOS update! Don't worry, we've got your back! 

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

Regards,