BIOS update failed

[Angie-Marie]

Hi, my HP laptop needed to update the restart, but a message came up on a blue background which said

System BIOS update failed

Using another computer & a USB flash drive, download the latest file from HP

website & create a BIOS USB recovery drive for the PC that needs update.

Insert the BIOS USB recovery drive into the PC that needs update & restart the PC

It then also has a code to scan, but that doesn't work.

Any advice? I'm not good at tech

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Angie-Marie 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining the situation—BIOS update failures can be intimidating, especially when you're not comfortable with technical steps. You're not alone in this, and we can walk through it together. Here's a clear and safe way to recover your BIOS using a USB flash drive

Steps to Create a BIOS Recovery USB Drive

Download the BIOS Update:

• Using another computer, go to the HP Support website and download the latest BIOS update for your specific laptop model.
• Enter your laptop model, HP Pavilion 16-af0000, to ensure you download the correct BIOS file.

Create a USB Recovery Drive:

• Insert a USB flash drive into the device you're using to download the BIOS update.
• Format the USB flash drive to FAT32.
• Open the BIOS file you downloaded; it may be in a compressed format that needs extracting. Follow the software prompts to copy the BIOS update to the USB flash drive.
• If the BIOS update comes with a utility to create a recovery USB drive, use it by following the on-screen instructions.

Perform BIOS Recovery:

• Insert your USB flash drive into the laptop with the failed update.
• Ensure the laptop is switched off.
• Turn on your laptop by pressing and holding the Power button and immediately begin pressing the Esc key repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.
• Press F2 to open the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Select Firmware Management, then BIOS Update.
• Follow the instructions to select the USB device as the update source if prompted.

Restart and Confirm Update Completion:

• After successfully restoring the BIOS, remove the USB flash drive, and restart your laptop.
• Ensure everything is functioning normally and confirm the BIOS version update under System Information in the BIOS settings.

 

Additional Tips:

• Ensure the laptop is connected to power during the entire update process.
• Verify all hardware connections and remove unnecessary external devices during recovery.

You're doing the right thing by reaching out. If anything feels unclear or doesn’t work as expected, I’ll help you troubleshoot it step-by-step. Let’s get your system back up and running.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Angie-Marie]

Thank you so much for your help, but I don't have another computer or a  USB, & wouldn't have a clue how to format one.  Am I able to update it from the laptop that BIOS update failed on, as it's still currently working? Is there a link I can use?

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

@Angie-Marie 

You are Welcome!

Thanks for clarifying. If your laptop is still booting normally, you can absolutely update the BIOS directly from Windows—no USB required. Here’s how to do it safely:

Steps to Update BIOS Without a USB Drive

Identify Your Product and BIOS Version

• Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
• Note your System Model and BIOS Version/Date.

Visit HP’s Official Support Page

• Go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads.
• Enter your laptop’s model number or let HP auto-detect your device.

Download the Latest BIOS Update

• Under the BIOS section, locate the most recent version compatible with your system.
• Click Download and save the .exe file.

Run the BIOS Installer

• Right-click the downloaded file and choose Run as administrator.
• Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
• Ensure your laptop is plugged into AC power and do not interrupt the process.

Restart and Verify

• After installation, the system will restart.
• You can confirm the update by checking msinfo32 again.

You're doing great—let’s get this sorted smoothly.

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye

[Angie-Marie]

Thank you. It was a little different but I think it's all done now, fingers crossed

[Hawks_Eye]

@Angie-Marie 

Fingers crossed indeed! BIOS updates can feel like walking a tech tightrope—so it’s great to hear you made it through. 

Even if the process was a bit different than expected, getting it done is half the battle.

If your system seems stable and everything’s working as it should, you’re likely in the clear. 

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 😊

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye