Laptop stuck in boot loop – CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED – can't reset or restore

[BlueScreenLoop]

My HP laptop is stuck in a boot loop with a blue screen (BSOD) that shows:

Stop Code: CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

Error Code: 0x000000EF

I cannot boot into:

Safe Mode

Command Prompt

System Restore (gives the message: “You must enable system protection on this drive”)

Reset PC (fails or doesn't respond)

I’ve already tried:

Command prompt tricks (like replacing utilman.exe with cmd.exe)

Registry edits to re-enable system restore

Startup repair

None of these worked.

I don’t need any of the data — I just want to do a clean reinstall of Windows 11 to make the laptop usable again.

I currently don’t have access to a USB or another PC to create installation media.

Can HP provide a way for me to reinstall the system or factory reset it without a USB? Or is service needed?

Thank you in advance.

[Max3Aj]

@BlueScreenLoop, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
I understand your HP laptop is stuck in a boot loop with the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error and you're unable to access Safe Mode, System Restore, or perform a Reset. Since you’ve already tried several advanced recovery steps and don’t need to retain any data, a clean reinstall of Windows 11 is the best path forward.

Recovery Options Without USB or Another PC

HP laptops often come with a built-in recovery environment that can be accessed using the HP Recovery Manager or Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Here's what you can try:

Use HP Cloud Recovery (if supported)

Some HP models support HP Cloud Recovery, which allows you to reinstall Windows directly from the internet without needing a USB drive.

• Visit: HP Cloud Recovery Tool – Overview & Eligibility
• If your model supports it, you can initiate recovery by pressing F11 repeatedly during startup to enter recovery mode.
• Select Troubleshoot > Recovery Manager > System Recovery.
• HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support

If F11 doesn’t work or the recovery partition is corrupted, this option may not be available.

HP Factory Reset via Recovery Partition

If the recovery partition is intact, you can try:

• Power off the laptop.
• Power it on and immediately press F11 repeatedly.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.

This will attempt a factory reset using the recovery partition.

If Recovery Partition is Damaged or Missing,

We suggest you 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 Kingdom | 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 

[BlueScreenLoop]

Hi Max,

Thanks again for your help.

Unfortunately, I do not have access to another PC or a USB drive at the moment, and my nearest HP service center is over 340 miles away.

Since I cannot create recovery media myself or travel to a center, is it possible for HP to send me a preloaded recovery USB stick for my device model? I am happy to provide my product details or pay for shipping if needed.

Thank you for understanding,

[Max3Aj]

@BlueScreenLoop, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support