Windows 11 fails to start following an update to the BIOS firmware?
Windows 11 fails to start following an update to the BIOS firmware?
Hi everyone,
I was attempting to prevent any re-installation of Windows in order to avoid cleaning my drive.
Back story:
Last night I attempted to flash the updated BIOS firmware, but instead of using a dedicated USB drive, I copied the file into C:\ and installed it from there.
Other unusual observations:
My NVMe SSD isn’t listed as an option in the boot settings, even though the BIOS recognizes it.
Issue:
The computer won’t boot at all—it just displays an endless black screen and restarts repeatedly. However, I can still access the BIOS and use a USB installer.
I’ve tried various troubleshooting steps using command prompts, but the results were inconclusive.
- `bootrec /fixmbr` completed successfully
- `bootrec /fixboot` reported an element not found
- `bootrec /scanos` finished without errors and showed zero Windows installations
- `bootrec /rebuildbcd` produced the same outcome
- Using `diskpart` commands to address the “Element not found” problem didn’t help; I also encountered issues with the `bcdedit` command, which reported an error about additional indistinguishable devices.
Could anyone provide some guidance?
Thanks.
Do you have multiple drives installed?
Please show screenshots from Disk Management and
BIOS - boot priority settings.
(upload to imgur.com and post link)
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
My desktop
We're going to need more context. When posting a thread of troubleshooting nature, it's customary to include your full system's specs. Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model.
What BIOS version were you on and what BIOS version did you try flashing to?
but rather than using a separate USB stick I added the file in the C:\ and installed it from there.
You might want to se if you can get into Safe Mode and delete the file that you've placed in C: . As stated prior, we're going to need more info.
I've changed my post to match the specifications. I'm unsure about the BIOS version I had before, as resetting the CMOS didn't restore it. The BIOS I used was 7C56vAJ1 (Beta version). I believe I can't boot into safe mode and don't know the specific key to use during startup. So far, I've only managed to boot into the BIOS by pressing Delete or using a USB stick to access the installer and enter troubleshooting mode. I attempted to delete the firmware update file via CMD, but it wasn't successful.
Following the BIOS update, the BIOS settings are reverting to their default state. Your system seems attempting to launch into legacy mode, even though Windows was configured in UEFI. This may cause a black screen with an underscore character flashing. Ensure the SATA controller is configured in AHCI mode. Turn off Secure Boot. Verify that UEFI boot is activated. Designate the first boot device as Windows Boot Manager.
Double checked the bios settings below.
"Make sure SATA controller is set to AHCI mode" – Is there a way to verify this via the bios or through the USB stick using the installer? I’m unable to boot into Windows in any form.
"Disable Secure Boot." – It’s already disabled.
Ensure UEFI boot is activated. – Also active.
Set the first boot device to Windows Boot Manager. – When I enter the BIOS, the nvme isn’t listed as a boot option anywhere. Even the USB stick appears as an upgrade with its name.
Do you have multiple drives installed?
Please show screenshots from Disk Management and
BIOS - boot priority settings.
(upload to imgur.com and post link)
I had to reinstall Windows 11 again. After some troubleshooting, I was able to restore the necessary files and now it works properly. I just decided to go fresh this time. Thanks everyone, it’s still unclear why the process failed but updating won’t be an option soon.