HP's Automatic BIOS Update Bricked Expensive Laptops
HP pushed a critical BIOS update through Windows Update, leading to its most expensive laptops becoming unbootable.
TL;DR
- HP’s auto-installed BIOS updates are rendering ZBook Ultra and EliteBook X laptops unusable.
- Reverting the update requires a specific HP USB-C dongle.
- Users have been experiencing issues like device freezing during boot, fan noise spikes, and Blue Screens of Death.
- This isn't HP's first time facing such problems; similar updates left ProBook laptops bricked in 2024.
Details
According to users on HP forums and Reddit, the affected devices include:
- ZBook Ultra G1a (costing around £4,000) with BIOS versions 01.04.03 and 01.04.05.
- EliteBook X G1a with BIOS versions 01.03.11 and 01.05.00.
HP has acknowledged the issue, stating “HP is aware of purported BIOS issues and is looking into the matter.” However, they have directed users to contact support for resolution.
Context
- This incident highlights growing concerns about Windows Update reliability, especially with regard to third-party firmware updates.
- HP's actions contradict their sponsorship of an open-source firmware updating solution (LVFS), which aims to improve firmware distribution security and reliability.