If you own a Lenovo laptop, tablet, or any other PC from Lenovo, you might have encountered an issue while updating the BIOS. In this guide, I’ll share my experience updating the BIOS from version 29 to version 32 and how I resolved an issue where the update seemed to hang indefinitely.
The Problem: BIOS Update Stuck
After downloading the BIOS update file and launching the installer, a window appeared with a message stating: “Stand by while the system reboots.” A progress indicator was running from left to right, but nothing actually happened. I waited for 20 minutes, and the system showed no signs of rebooting or proceeding with the update.
Possible Cause
Lenovo, as a Chinese company, sometimes has a different approach to software quality, which might explain such inconsistencies. Another factor could be my dual-boot setup with both Linux (Arch Linux, specifically) and Windows. I had only booted into Windows for the sole purpose of installing this BIOS update.
The Solution: Closing the Stuck Window
Despite the warning in the update window to not take any action, it is actually safe to close it manually. Here’s what to do:
Click the close (X) button at the top of the update window.
Once closed, the system should finally reboot itself and start the actual BIOS flashing process.
Wait patiently as the update progresses to 100%.
After reaching 100%, the system will turn off and remain blank for about two minutes.
It will then automatically reboot into your operating system.
What to Do If the Screen Stays Black
If your screen remains black and your device does not reboot automatically, follow these steps:
Wait for an additional 10 minutes just to be cautious.
Manually turn on your laptop or tablet by pressing the power button.
Check your BIOS version to confirm the update was successful.
Conclusion
Despite the hiccup during installation, the BIOS update was ultimately successful. The version now correctly displays 32 instead of 29. If you experience similar issues with a Lenovo BIOS update, remember that closing the stuck update window might be the key to resolving it.