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If you want to update the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on an HP Consumer Notebook running Windows. Updating the BIOS can improve system stability, add hardware support, resolve known issues, and improve compatibility with Windows updates.
Important: BIOS updates should only be installed from HP. Installing an incorrect BIOS version or interrupting the update process can prevent the computer from starting.
When to Update the BIOS
Update the BIOS only if:
HP has released a newer BIOS version for your notebook.
A BIOS update resolves a known issue.
A hardware component requires a newer BIOS version.
HP recommends the update for improved performance or compatibility.
Troubleshoting Steps:
1: Update the BIOS Automatically Using Device Manager
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
Expand Firmware.
Double-click System Firmware.
Open the Driver tab.
Click Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for updated drivers.
Allow Windows to download and install the firmware update.
Restart the computer if prompted.
2: Update the BIOS Using HP Support Assistant
Open HP Support Assistant.
Select your notebook on the My Dashboard page.
Click Updates.
Wait while HP Support Assistant checks for available updates.
Install the available BIOS update.
Restart the notebook if prompted.
Note: HP Support Assistant is not supported on Windows in S Mode.
3: Manually Update the BIOS in Windows
Step 1: Collect System Information
Press Fn + Esc to open HP System Information and note:
Product Name
Product Number
Motherboard/System Board ID
BIOS Version
Processor Name
Step 2: Prepare the Computer
Before installing the BIOS:
Connect the AC adapter.
Close all applications.
Temporarily disable antivirus software.
Suspend BitLocker protection (if enabled).
Keep the notebook connected to power throughout the update.
Warning: Do not disconnect power or restart the notebook during the BIOS update.
Step 3: Download the BIOS
Open the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
Locate your notebook model.
Open the BIOS section.
Verify the update is newer than the installed version.
Download the BIOS SoftPaq.
If no BIOS update is listed, your notebook already has the latest available BIOS.
Step 4: Install the BIOS
Double-click the downloaded BIOS file.
Approve the User Account Control prompt.
Follow the installation wizard.
Select Update.
Click Restart Now.
The BIOS update utility launches automatically.
Select Apply Update Now if required.
Wait for installation to complete.
During the update, the notebook may:
Restart several times
Display a black screen
Turn cooling fans on and off
Emit beeps
Flash the power LED
These behaviors are expected.
After Windows starts:
Sign in.
Resume BitLocker protection.
Re-enable antivirus software.
4: Update the BIOS Using a USB Drive (Windows Does Not Start)
Use this method if Windows cannot boot.
Step 1: Gather BIOS Information
Turn on the notebook.
Press Esc repeatedly.
Press F10 to open BIOS Setup.
Record:
Product Name
Product Number
System Board ID
BIOS Version
Processor Type
Step 2: Create a BIOS Recovery USB
Using another working computer:
Insert a blank USB flash drive.
Download the correct BIOS update from HP.
Run the downloaded BIOS package.
Select Create Recovery USB Flash Drive.
Choose the USB drive.
Wait until the recovery files are copied.
Remove the USB drive safely.
Step 3: Install BIOS from the USB Drive
Insert the USB recovery drive into the affected notebook.
Power on the notebook.
Press Esc repeatedly.
Press F2 to open Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
Select:
Firmware Management or
BIOS Management
Select BIOS Update.
Choose Select BIOS Image to Apply.
Navigate to:
HP_TOOLS USB Drive
Hewlett-Packard
BIOS
Current
Select the BIOS file matching the System Board ID.
Select Apply Update Now.
Wait for the update to complete.
Restart the notebook.
If the update fails, the notebook may automatically initiate BIOS Recovery.
Note :
Always connect the notebook to AC power.
Install BIOS updates only from HP.
Verify the BIOS version matches your notebook model.
Suspend BitLocker before updating.
Do not power off the notebook during the update.
Do not install BIOS intended for another HP model.
After the BIOS update:
The notebook starts normally.
The BIOS version is updated successfully.
System stability and hardware compatibility may improve.
Any fixes included in the BIOS release are applied.
