hp laptop does not finish reboot after Windows 11 update

[PKub]

My hp laptop refuses to restart after updating from Windows 10 to Windows 11.  Unfortunately I did not check on any needed driver updates before applying this update. AGGG

The laptop restarted after update was done and the HP logo is on screen and progress circle spins.

After a couple of minutes I get a blue screen with error:

😞 Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.

stop code: driver_pnp_watchdog

This is just a continuous loop.  I cannot get it into safe mode with F4 or F8.  Not sure if it is an different F key or combo of keys

I have found info how to fix once I get into safe mode.  I saw something about removing battery, however I would have to remove screws from back, but this will be a last resort.

Thanks in advanc

[PKub]

I see model number is not in my original post. HP ENVY 17.3 inch Laptop PC 17-ch0000IDS Base Model

[Raj_05]

Hi @PKub,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue where your HP ENVY 17 laptop is stuck in a restart loop after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with the "driver_pnp_watchdog" error appearing on a blue screen.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix this issue.

Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Since F4 or F8 isn't working to access Safe Mode, try these steps:

• Turn the laptop off completely.
• Power it on and as soon as the HP logo appears, press the Power button and hold it for 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
• Repeat this process 2-3 times to trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Once in WinRE, you can access advanced options.

Boot into Safe Mode from WinRE

• After getting into WinRE (you should see "Choose an option" screen), select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Once your laptop restarts, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 (or F4) to boot into Safe Mode.

If you successfully boot into Safe Mode, you can attempt to remove the problematic drivers that may have been causing the issue after the update.

Uninstall Problematic Drivers

• In Safe Mode, you can go to Device Manager by typing it in the search bar or pressing Windows Key + X and selecting it.
• Look for any devices with a yellow triangle indicating a problem.
• Right-click the device and select Uninstall.
• Restart the laptop to check if this resolves the loop.

Perform System Restore

If you can't pinpoint which driver is causing the issue, try performing a system restore to a point before the update:

• In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
• Follow the instructions to restore your system to an earlier point where the update hadn’t been applied.

Update Drivers Manually

• Once you’re back into Windows (either via Safe Mode or after a system restore), check for driver updates:
  • Go to Device Manager and update drivers for critical components (especially graphics and network adapters).
  • Visit the HP support page for your laptop model to download the latest drivers and install them.

[Raj_05]

Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If all else fails, you can try resetting Windows 11:

• In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
• You can choose to either keep your files or remove everything, but this option will reinstall Windows, which should fix any system issues caused by the update.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support