Two identical computers - but one is slow - downgrade BIOS?

[4ndroid-new]

I have to identical computers, 14-bp081no.
One runs good (Computer A), and one runs slow (Computer B). 
They are both reinstalled, windows updates are updated and hp support assistant updates are updated.
The RAM are upgraded from 2+4=6 gb ram 2133 MHZ to 8+8=16 gb 2133 MHZ, on both of them.
They were running with similar speeds prior the upgrade.
The laptops are used for basic web browsing. Since they are reinstalled, there are no extra programs or files on them.

Now, the only diffrence I know about them is that the good one (Computer A) runs BIOS version F.13 Rev.A, realeased Nov 13, 2017.
The slow one (Computer B) runs runs BIOS version F.42 Rev.A, realeased Dec 18, 2020.
https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-14-bp000-laptop-pc/model/17193448

Ive been trying to downgrade the BIOS, but it seems to not to be possible.
Now I am playing with the idea of copying/cloning everything from the good laptop to the bad one, including the older bios version. But I do not know if this is possible. Theres two diffrent windows 10 licenses. 

Do you have any other suggestions to me?

Edit:
I have tried to swap the SSD with each other.
Computer A with SSD from Computer B: Runs equally good as before and shows data from Computer B, obviously. The BIOS is still the same as from Computer A, F.13.
Computer B with SSD from Computer A: Runs equally slow as before and shows data from Computer A, obviously. The BIOS is still the same as from Computer B, F.42.
Conclution: The RAM is not the problem and the SSD is not the problem.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @4ndroid-new 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you've already done a thorough job troubleshooting the issue with Computer B, and you're narrowing it down to a BIOS-related problem, as you confirmed that swapping the SSDs didn’t affect the performance of the laptops. Based on the details you've provided, here are some potential solutions and insights to help you fix the issue with Computer B.

1. BIOS Downgrade: Why It’s Challenging

You’ve identified that Computer A runs BIOS version F.13, while Computer B runs BIOS version F.42. The main concern here is that HP doesn’t officially support downgrading BIOS in many cases due to potential compatibility issues between versions. Downgrading can also cause system instability if not done correctly.

You mentioned trying to downgrade the BIOS, but I would advise caution here, as HP typically disables BIOS downgrades for security reasons. Here's a breakdown of what to try if you still want to proceed with downgrading the BIOS on Computer B:

Steps to Downgrade BIOS (If Possible):

Check HP’s BIOS Recovery Options:

• Some HP laptops support HP BIOS Recovery, which could allow you to revert to an older BIOS version. To check:
  • Power off the laptop.
  • **Press and hold the Windows + B keys while pressing the Power button.
  • Continue holding the keys until the HP BIOS Update screen appears. If it allows for recovery or rollback, you can proceed with that.

Download Older BIOS Version:

• You could try manually downloading the BIOS version F.13 from the HP support page, but this option may not work if HP prevents BIOS downgrades.
  • Visit HP’s official page for your laptop model (HP 14-bp081no BIOS Downloads).
  • Download the F.13 BIOS update, but be aware that if it refuses to install, it may be blocked due to version restrictions.

Create a Bootable USB:

• Some HP systems allow creating a bootable USB to update or revert the BIOS. Use the HP Support Assistant to create a bootable BIOS update USB if this is an option.

Warning: Downgrading BIOS is risky. If the system encounters any issue during the process, you could risk bricking the laptop, so please proceed with caution.

2. Other BIOS-related Fixes

Instead of downgrading the BIOS, you could try adjusting the current BIOS settings on Computer B. Sometimes, the system performance issues can be related to BIOS settings.

What to Try in BIOS Settings:

Reset BIOS to Defaults:

• On Computer B, restart the laptop and press the ESC or F10 key during boot to enter the BIOS menu.
• Find the option to Load Defaults or Restore Default Settings (usually located under the Exit or Save & Exit menu).
• This could help reset any misconfigured settings that might be affecting system performance.

Disable Unnecessary Features:

• Some power-saving features in BIOS may affect CPU performance. In BIOS, try disabling options like Intel SpeedStep, Intel C-States, or any other power-saving options.
• Additionally, check for any settings related to virtualization or hyper-threading. Sometimes turning them off can help with performance on certain systems.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[4ndroid-new]

Hi Rachel571.

Thank you.
I have tried to downgrade the BIOS, but it does not work. 
I have also tried it with the bootable USB, but it does not work.
It is locked to F.42.

I have also tried to alter the BIOS settings.
I have tried to reset to default, without changes.
Unfortunately the advanced bios settings are also locked, cant do anything here. Is there anyway to unlock it?
Would be nice to just release F.43 but as a copy of F.13 🙂

In Windows, I have tried to sett the performance to maximum power, but without effect.

Any other suggestions?

Thank you