Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI before attempting more Windows repairs; if the laptop cannot run those diagnostics or boot newly created installation media, stop troubleshooting and contact HP for hardware/warranty service.
Since update removal, DISM, Safe Mode, Automatic Repair, and the existing external copy have already failed, repeating them is unlikely to move the case forward.
1. Test the hardware outside Windows
- Turn the laptop completely off.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices, leaving the charger connected.
- Turn it on and repeatedly press Esc to try to open the HP Startup Menu.
- Select System Diagnostics if displayed, commonly through F2.
- Run:
- Memory test
- Storage/SSD test
- Extensive tests, if offered
- Record any failure ID exactly.
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI operates outside Windows, so it remains usable when Windows cannot start.^1^ Startup-key and BIOS behavior can vary by HP model and BIOS version.^2^
- If a test fails: do not reinstall Windows. Contact HP and provide the failure ID. Because the laptop is six months old, ask HP to check its warranty status.
- If diagnostics cannot open, freeze, or restart the laptop: treat that as a firmware/hardware escalation rather than continuing DISM or boot-file commands.
- If all tests pass: proceed with fresh installation media.
2. Create a new, known-good Windows 11 USB
This is different from retrying the same external copy: it rules out damaged, incorrectly created, or incompatible recovery media.
On another working Windows computer:
- Insert a blank USB drive of at least 8 GB. Creating the media erases that USB.
- Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page through the Media Creation Tool instructions.
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now.
- Run
MediaCreationTool.exe and create the USB installation media.^3^
- Insert that USB into the powered-off HP laptop.
- Turn it on while repeatedly pressing Esc, then open the boot-device menu and select the USB. HP also provides a model-oriented Windows 11 USB installation procedure.^4^
If Windows Setup appears, select:
Next → Repair my PC → Troubleshoot
Microsoft documents that installation media can enter Windows Recovery Environment even when the installed copy will not start.^5^
Have the BitLocker recovery key available if prompted; encrypted systems require it for some recovery tools.
3. Protect files before reinstalling
Do not select Install now, delete partitions, reset the PC, or perform a clean installation until important files are backed up. Reinstallation from recovery media can remove everything.^6^
If the fresh USB reaches Windows Recovery Environment, an accepted resolution for a closely matching failed-update case suggests:
- Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
- Enter
notepad.exe.
- In Notepad, select File → Open.
- Use the file-selection window to locate personal files and copy them to a separate external drive.^7^
If BitLocker prevents access, do not format the drive; obtain the recovery key or ask HP/service personnel about data-preserving options.
4. Final recovery or service
After backing up:
- Prefer HP recovery media when available because manufacturer recovery images include hardware-specific drivers and factory software.
- Otherwise, reinstall Windows 11 from the newly created Microsoft USB.
- If the fresh USB does not appear in the HP boot menu, hangs before Windows Setup, or HP UEFI diagnostics cannot run, contact HP rather than changing partitions or repeatedly forcing shutdowns. Report:
- The exact model/product number
- Any diagnostic failure ID
- Whether the USB appears in the boot menu
- The screen where it freezes
- That Windows recovery, Safe Mode, update removal, and Automatic Repair already failed
References
- HP PC Hardware Diagnostics | HP® Support
- HP Consumer Notebook PCs - BIOS Setup Information and Menu Options
- Create installation media for Windows | Microsoft Support
- HP PCs - Installing Windows 11 from a USB flash drive
- Windows recovery environment | Microsoft Support
- Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support
- Windows 11 crashes after update. Error Log file: D:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrial.txt - Microsoft Q&A