The update isn't possible and may be impossible to complete.
The update isn't possible and may be impossible to complete.
This piece was originally titled "I haven't used my computer in a few weeks... now it only starts in BIOS" but has been updated to capture the latest progress or insight. For details, check my reply below. Greetings everyone, I've become quite overwhelmed at work lately and haven't had time for gaming. After leaving early today, I set aside some time to play Minecraft. When I arrived home, I powered on my PC and pressed the power button—it launched into BIOS. It was strange, so I attempted to use the "save and reset" option, but it didn’t work. Then I tried resetting all BIOS settings back to defaults, which also failed. I also tried a few other steps: unplugging the keyboard before startup (possibly broken), removing the GPU, taking out the PCIe USB hub, deleting every peripheral except the monitor, and even enabling CSM (as suggested elsewhere). Nothing changed. Finally, I tried using a different boot device—two are now listed: one for Windows Boot Manager on my SSD and another just for the SSD itself. This seems unusual but might be related to CSM. I plan to consider replacing the M.2 drive, though I’m holding off until I get more advice before spending that money.
Here’s what I have:
- Operating system: Windows 11 Pro
- BIOS version: 0905 x64
- CPU: Intel i7-9700K (ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO)
- RAM: 2x16GB and 2x8GB (missing first order click)
- SSD: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB, 48GB, G-Skill
- Current firmware: 1080ti (BIOS set to 2133MHz)
- Storage setup: dual M.2 slots—one for Windows Boot Manager, one for the SSD
I’m confused about why it boots into BIOS and need help figuring out what’s going on.
Additionally, there was a Wi-Fi outage at my building all day, so I’m doing some troubleshooting remotely via hotspot. It’s been a stressful situation.
Update: My drive is a 980 Pro 2TB with the firmware that everyone warned about being prone to failure. It’s stuck in read-only mode and doesn’t respond to updates via Samsung Magician. A video from Jay might help clarify.
If anyone has any suggestions, I’d really appreciate it. Otherwise, I’m hoping for a replacement drive—just not before I’ve considered all the options.
I made the boot stick with the media creation tool. I’m having trouble starting in safe mode—it only shows reinstalling Windows 11. When I try “undo update” or “restore from old restore point,” it either does nothing or shows an error saying I need to pick a Windows version first.
After assigning a drive letter, chkdsk detected corruption but repair failed due to a write protection warning. Removing the readonly attribute with diskpart didn’t work. I’ve attached the relevant messages. If needed, I might go to Walmart and purchase a cheaper drive to install Windows, which could help with further troubleshooting. Edited July 29, 2023 by notmatthewa Fixed. Heic to .jpeg
Bad news. I bought a new M.2 drive, but Windows won’t let me install because your PC doesn’t satisfy the minimum system requirements for this version. However, it has 2.5TB of storage, which is the only change.
You can also install Samsung Magician, which will inform you about any required updates. If the firmware begins with a 3, you should definitely update it. Updating isn't harmful even if your device is only a few generations old.