Bios update was interrupted and now laptop requires Admin password

[Maxsputer]

HP Envy x360m Convertible 15m-ds0011dx Laptop, customer (We are a computer repair shop) shut down laptop while doing a bios update because she thought she was being hacked. Now the laptop when turned on asks for admin password. Normally this would be what we would consider "bricking" the laptop, but knowing tech constantly changes (and we don't know everything) we wanted to reach out incase someone could help before telling her its a door stop.

[Rachel571]

Hi @Maxsputer,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When a BIOS update is interrupted, it can indeed result in a non-functional laptop or a "bricked" device. However, there are still some steps you can take to try to recover the laptop before considering it a lost cause. Here’s what you can do:

Steps to Recover the BIOS

1. Try to Enter BIOS Recovery Mode

HP laptops often have a BIOS recovery feature that can be used to restore the BIOS from a previous backup.

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Disconnect all peripheral devices.
3. Press and hold the Windows key + B key, then press the power button for 2-3 seconds and release the power button but continue to hold the Windows + B keys.
4. Release the Windows + B keys after you hear beeping sounds or see a recovery screen.

If the recovery screen appears, follow the on-screen instructions to recover the BIOS.

2. Use a BIOS Recovery USB Drive

If the BIOS recovery feature doesn't work, you can try using a BIOS recovery USB drive.

Prepare a USB drive:

• Use another computer to download the latest BIOS update for the HP Envy x360m Convertible 15m-ds0011dx from the HP Support website.

Create the BIOS Recovery USB drive:

• Insert the USB drive into the working computer.
• Run the downloaded BIOS update file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to create a BIOS recovery USB drive.

Perform the BIOS recovery:

• Insert the BIOS recovery USB drive into the affected laptop.
• Press and hold the Windows key + B key, then press the power button for 2-3 seconds and release the power button but continue to hold the Windows + B keys.
• Release the Windows + B keys after you hear beeping sounds or see a recovery screen.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to recover the BIOS from the USB drive.

Steps to Bypass the BIOS Admin Password

1. Clear the CMOS Battery

Clearing the CMOS battery can sometimes reset the BIOS settings, including the password.

1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect it from any power source.
2. Remove the bottom cover to access the motherboard.
3. Locate the CMOS battery, which is usually a small, round, silver battery.
4. Remove the CMOS battery carefully.
5. Wait for 5-10 minutes to ensure the CMOS memory is cleared.
6. Reinsert the CMOS battery and reassemble the laptop.

Turn on the laptop to see if the BIOS password prompt has been cleared.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support