Installed BIOS update, laptop stuck on 'Preparing to Configure Windows' During Restart

[MinimalFunkd]

I've recently been having overheating problems with my laptop, causing it to go into sleep mode, with an error message when I restart saying that it was forced into sleep mode due to overheating. 

After searching the internet, it seemed the problem was down to either a build up of dust in he fans preventing the cooling process, or the need to update the BIOS.

I bought a can of compressed air, and cleaned out the vents to try to move the build up of dust. This was successful and I managed to run my laptop for a full hour afterwards, without the laptop going into sleep mode (it couldnt last 5 minutes before I did this). For the full hour though, the cooling fan seemed to be running in overdrive constantly, so back to Google I went and he result I kept coming across was that I needed to update the BIOS.

I followed the advice outlined on the HP website very carefully, and installed the correct BIOS update for my laptop. (It clearly needed doing, I was running a version from 2014, despite there being an update as recent as 2017). This all went smoothly, and I was prompted to restart the computer. It has since been stuck on the 'Preparing to configure Windows. Don't turn off your computer' screen for over an hour. I've had his issue with other updates before,  and have always had to force a reboot by holding down the power button. The fix I had found for this was to fully shut down my computer instead of restarting, and letting the updates install during the shutting down and rebooting process, eliminating the possibility of it getting stuck in restart. This time however, I opted to restart at the prompt as I understand the BIOS update is very important, and elected to follow the instructions precisely so as not to cause damage to my computer, but my computer is now stuck on the screen again. I am worried about forcing a reboot as I don't want too disrupt the process of updating the BIOS, but I don't currently see any other option.

Will forcing a reboot damage my computer? If I force a reboot and it doesn't damage my computer, will I need to install the BIOS update again?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[MinimalFunkd]

Update: about 10 minutes after this post,  the laptop restarting and continued with the BIOS installation. However he computer went to sleep mode due to overheating upon startup. I tried to run the system tests from pressing F2 during startup,  and my computer went into sleep mode again. I'm really not sure what he problem could be. I'm tempted to open up the laptop in order to see if there is any dust buildup that the compressed air didn't get, though I know his isn't recommended but I feel I am running out of options. The laptop is almost 3 years old so the warranty will have run out, and I can't afford to take it to a specialist.