HP BIOS Update Failed: Unable to Open BIOS Image File — 6 Fixes That Actually Work

Your HP computer is stuck. Every 15 seconds, the same white screen appears:

"The System BIOS update failed. Unable to open BIOS image file."

Then it reboots. Then the same screen appears again. You cannot get into Windows. You cannot get into BIOS settings. Nothing works. The computer just loops.

This is one of the most reported HP support issues — particularly on HP All-in-One desktops with MonkD motherboards, where a bad BIOS update through Windows Update can leave the system completely unbootable. It has happened to thousands of HP users, and there are multiple proven ways to fix it.

This guide covers every working solution, in order from simplest to most advanced, with exact steps for each.

Why This Error Happens

Before jumping into fixes, understanding what caused the error helps you choose the right solution.

Wrong BIOS file downloaded

If you manually downloaded a BIOS update from HP's website and ran it, you may have downloaded the file for a slightly different model. HP uses very similar model numbers for different motherboard variants — a BIOS file built for one variant will fail on another with this exact error.

Windows Update pushed a bad BIOS update

This is the most common cause of the infinite loop. HP periodically pushes BIOS updates through Windows Update. In several documented cases — particularly affecting HP All-in-One PCs with MonkD motherboards — these automatic updates contained a BIOS file incompatible with certain hardware configurations. The update starts, fails, and the system gets stuck trying to complete it on every reboot.

Interrupted update

If your computer lost power, restarted unexpectedly, or was shut down during a BIOS update, the BIOS image may be partially written — creating a corrupted state that produces this error on every subsequent boot.

Corrupted download

A BIOS file that was corrupted during download — due to a network interruption or storage error — will fail with this message when the system tries to apply it.

Understanding which cause applies to your situation will help — but the fixes below work regardless of the root cause.

Before You Start — What You Need

For most of the fixes below you will need:

A working USB flash drive — 8GB or larger, formatted as FAT32. A second working computer to download files. Your HP computer's exact model number — found on the sticker on the bottom of the device or on the back of an All-in-One.

If you do not know your model number, look for a label starting with letters like "HP All-in-One 24" or "HP Pavilion" followed by a series of numbers and letters. You need the full model string — not just the family name.

Fix 1 — Create an HP BIOS Recovery USB Drive

This is the most reliable fix and the one HP officially recommends. It works for most cases.

Step 1 — Find your model number

Check the sticker on the bottom of your HP laptop or the back of your All-in-One. Write down the full model number exactly as shown.

Step 2 — Go to HP's support page on another computer

On a working computer, go to support.hp.com. Enter your model number in the search field. Navigate to Software and Drivers. Filter by BIOS — Firmware. Download the latest BIOS update file. It will be an executable file with a name like sp146742.exe.

Step 3 — Create the recovery USB

Insert your USB flash drive into the working computer. Run the downloaded BIOS exe file. When prompted, select the option to create a BIOS recovery USB drive — not to install it directly. The tool will format the USB and copy the necessary BIOS recovery files. When complete, safely eject the USB.

Step 4 — Boot the affected HP computer from the USB

Make sure the affected HP computer is completely powered off. Insert the recovery USB into the HP computer. Power it on while holding Win + B simultaneously. Keep holding until you see the HP BIOS Update screen change or hear beeps.

Alternatively, on some models, hold Ctrl + B instead of Win + B at startup.

Step 5 — Let the recovery complete

The system will detect the recovery USB and begin reflashing the BIOS. The process takes 3 to 5 minutes. The computer may reboot up to 3 times. Keyboard indicator lights may flash. Do not power off during this process.

When complete, the computer should boot normally into Windows.

Fix 2 — Try Win + B or Ctrl + B Recovery Shortcut

If you already have a BIOS recovery USB but the Win + B shortcut did not work, try these variations.

Power off the computer completely — unplug from the wall for 30 seconds.

Plug back in but do not press the power button yet.

Insert your BIOS recovery USB.

Hold Win + B and then press the power button while keeping Win + B held down.

If that does not work, power off again and try holding just B while pressing power. On some HP models, just Ctrl + B or just B triggers recovery mode.

You should hear a series of beeps indicating the recovery process has started. 8 beeps followed by a pause and then more beeps is a common indicator that the recovery USB has been detected and is being used.

Fix 3 — Correct BIOS File for MonkD Motherboard Models

If you have an HP All-in-One and the standard recovery USB is not working, you may be dealing with the documented MonkD motherboard issue.

HP All-in-One models with MonkD motherboards — which include many HP 24 and HP 27 series All-in-Ones from 2020 to 2022 — experienced widespread BIOS update failures. The specific BIOS file that caused the issue was incompatible with the MonkD hardware variant.

The fix requires using a specific BIOS version — sp146742 — rather than whatever the most recent version is on HP's support page.

On a working computer, go to HP's support site and download sp146742 specifically. Use this file — not the latest version — to create your BIOS recovery USB. Then follow the recovery USB steps above.

HP community members who resolved this issue confirm that sp146742 works on affected MonkD motherboard systems even when newer BIOS versions fail.

Fix 4 — Reset the CMOS Jumper (Desktop Only)

This fix applies only to HP desktop computers — not laptops or All-in-Ones. If you have an HP tower desktop and the BIOS recovery USB has not resolved the issue, resetting the CMOS can clear the corrupted BIOS state.

Important warning: Opening a desktop computer case voids any remaining warranty. If your system is under warranty, contact HP support before attempting this.

Power off the computer and unplug it from the wall.

Open the side panel of the desktop case.

Locate the CMOS jumper on the motherboard. Consult your specific model's manual or HP's support documentation for the exact location — it is typically a two or three-pin jumper near the CMOS battery, labeled CLR CMOS or similar.

Move the jumper from its normal position (pins 1-2) to the clear position (pins 2-3). Leave it there for 30 seconds.

Move the jumper back to its normal position.

Remove the CMOS battery — a small round silver battery — for an additional 30 seconds, then reinstall it.

Hold the power button for 10 seconds with the computer unplugged to discharge any remaining power.

Reconnect power and attempt the BIOS recovery USB process again.

Fix 5 — Discharge Method Before Recovery USB

Some HP users report that the BIOS recovery USB is not detected unless the system has been fully discharged first. This is particularly true on systems that have been stuck in the boot loop for extended periods.

Power off the computer. Unplug from the wall. For laptops, if the battery is removable, remove it. For All-in-Ones and desktops, simply unplugging is sufficient.

Hold the power button for 30 full seconds to discharge any residual electricity in the system.

Wait an additional 2 minutes.

Plug in the power — do not press the power button yet.

Insert the BIOS recovery USB.

Now attempt the Win + B recovery shortcut while pressing power.

This discharge step resolves the recovery USB detection issue for a significant number of users who reported that Win + B appeared to do nothing previously.

Fix 6 — HP BIOS Recovery 3 (Automatic Recovery on Some Models)

Newer HP systems include HP BIOS Recovery 3, which automatically detects and recovers a corrupted BIOS from the HP recovery partition on the hard drive — without requiring a USB drive.

On these models, the recovery happens automatically. The system detects that the BIOS is corrupted on boot, displays a recovery screen, and reflashes the BIOS from the recovery partition.

If your system supports this, you may simply need to wait. The automatic recovery can take up to 15 minutes and involves multiple restarts. If the screen shows a progress bar or percentage counter, do not interrupt the process.

Not all HP models support HP BIOS Recovery 3. Check HP's documentation for your specific model to confirm whether this feature is available.

What to Do if Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above fixes and the system is still stuck in the BIOS update loop, the options narrow significantly.

Contact HP support

If your system is under warranty, HP may replace the motherboard or repair the system at no cost. Contact HP support directly and describe the issue — BIOS update failure, unable to open BIOS image file, stuck in loop. Provide your model number and serial number. HP support agents have access to additional tools and can sometimes send technicians to affected users.

HP Authorized Service Center

If the system is out of warranty, an HP authorized service center can reflash the BIOS using HP's professional tools that are not available to end users. This typically costs more than a standard repair but is significantly less expensive than replacement.

BIOS Chip Replacement

In extreme cases where the BIOS chip itself is damaged — usually from a severe power interruption during flashing — the BIOS chip may need to be physically replaced. This is a component-level repair that requires specialist equipment and is typically only cost-effective on newer, higher-value systems.

How to Prevent This From Happening Again

Once your system is recovered, these steps reduce the risk of the same issue recurring.

Disable automatic BIOS updates through Windows Update

The most common cause of this error is an automatic BIOS update pushed through Windows Update without user consent. You can prevent this by blocking firmware updates in Windows Update settings.

Go to Settings, then Windows Update, then Advanced Options, and disable the option to receive updates for other Microsoft products. For more granular control, use Group Policy to block firmware updates specifically.

Always verify the BIOS file before updating

Before running any BIOS update manually, verify that the file matches your exact model number — not just the family name. HP's support site sometimes shows updates for similar models on the same page. Cross-reference the model number in the BIOS file's filename against your system's exact model string. Our guide on why BIOS updates are safer than most people think covers the full pre-update verification checklist.

Keep a BIOS recovery USB prepared

Once you have created a BIOS recovery USB for your HP model, keep it. Label it with your model number and BIOS version. If this error ever happens again, you have the fix ready without needing a second working computer.

Ensure stable power before any BIOS update

Never update your BIOS on battery power alone for laptops, and avoid updating during thunderstorms or in areas with unstable power supply. A power interruption during a BIOS flash is one of the fastest ways to cause exactly this error. If you are unsure what BIOS is and why it matters, reviewing the basics can help you approach future updates with more confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions