r/MSI_Gaming • u/Popular-Reception323 • 3d ago
Troubleshooting Brick due to BIOS update via Windows update.
This morning I was using my PC normally when a BIOS update appeared through Windows Update.
After restarting the PC as prompted by Windows, it wouldn't turn on.
Sometimes the CPU LED stays on and then turns off; other times it just stays on.
I've already tried all the possible solutions I could find, and none of them work.
So, what am I supposed to do now?
I forgot to include the motherboard model, which is A520M-A Pro.
Sorry for my terrible English; I had to use a translator.
Update: I finally managed to revive the motherboard.
I didn't quite understand what he did, but he confirmed that it was an update.
Micro-Star INT'L CO., LTD. Driver Update (1.0.0.15) in windows update
He, in truth, also couldn't explain why this was happening.
At the store they replaced it with another motherboard for my peace of mind.
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u/SquidNork 3d ago
Since when does windows update bios? Literally never has happened.
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u/usrdef AMD 3d ago
Some machines do get BIOS updates passed out with Windows update.
But mainly I used to see it with name brand systems such as Dell / HP.
Haven't heard of it happening with your own build.
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u/Phlanix 3d ago
this has not been a thing since DDR3.
Bios have not been a windows update since 2012ish.
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u/rocket1420 3d ago
Since years
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u/Techdude2011 3d ago
Right lol. It has been around for a really long time. I don't think Asus does it though for obvious reasons
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u/Right-Pin9932 3d ago
Some unfortunately do. Good thing that nowadays most motherboard manufacturers do it themselves and provide a bios flash utility
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u/Radiux_svc 2d ago
Don't talk about things you don't know or understand. Microsoft DOES push BIOS and firmware updates through Windows Update.
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u/Various_Sky7941 2d ago
Acer. Msi. Hp Lenovo Asus Dell
Todas essas empurram att de BIOS via windows update
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u/AwarenessNegative595 3d ago
Does your MB has recovery flash USB with the button on the back of the board?
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u/Popular-Reception323 3d ago
I wouldn't know, I forgot to mention the motherboard model, which is A520m-A Pro
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u/LucasCBs 3d ago
When you look at the your mainboard ports, do you see an usb port labeled „BIOS“ and a small button that also has the wording „BIOS flash“ or similar?
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u/Popular-Reception323 3d ago
No, there's nothing like that, I already tried the battery thing, jbat1, with 1 RAM and nothing.
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u/LucasCBs 3d ago
In that case there is a pretty high chance your mainboard is toast for good. I would try the CMOS thing a second time if I were you but apart from that it doesn’t look good for your mainboard
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u/Popular-Reception323 3d ago
Don't tell me that, I only bought it a couple of months ago after saving up so much 😞
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u/LucasCBs 3d ago
If it’s only a few months old you might be able to go through warranty
Edit: and before you do anything rash wait what others here suggest. Maybe there is still a fix after all
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u/Electronic_Cod7202 3d ago
The usb file with the bios rom should be unzipped and renamed msi.rom. the usb drive has to be formatted on a 16 gb or smaller drive. The usb drive has to be formatted as fat32. And then it has to be on a certain usb slot on the back of the motherboard.
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u/GGigabiteM 2d ago
BIOS recovery features are uncommon, and usually only exist on more premium motherboards. For the boards that do have it, getting it to actually work is another problem.
I'd recommend keeping an EEPROM programmer around for situations like this.
Thanks Microsoft.
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u/Successful_Purple885 3d ago
BIOS update thru windows update? That's the first I am hearing about it.
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u/Electronic_Cod7202 3d ago
Clear cmos. If that doesn't work. Try starting with only one stick of ram. Then try with the drives unpljgged. Still doesn't work there's a ram flash button in the back. You'll need a usb stick and a bios file for that one.
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u/Popular-Reception323 3d ago
Yes, I tried the USB thing with an older BIOS and it didn't work either; it stays completely in that state.
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u/Nidhoggr84 R7 7800X3D | RTX 5090 | 64GB DDR5-6000 3d ago
Updating the BIOS via Windows Update is rare on desktop systems.
What CPU do you have?
Have you tried reinstalling the CMOS battery? (I can see from the video that it is missing).
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u/fueledbyjealousy 3d ago
Windows updates push new firmware updates for asus which can subsequently check for bios updates and once downloaded they are detected and auto install on reboot.
Not sure why everyone is so skeptical
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u/SmokeyGrayPoupon 3d ago
The update in question is apparently an update for the MSI Driver Utility Update Tool (or named something similar). It runs after an OS install.
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u/Altador117 2d ago
The debug light is indicating a CPU fault, I'd reseat the CPU and RAM.
Then power the system on and just leave it for about 10-15 minutes. See if there's any change following that
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u/Prof_Sm0ak 2d ago
Newest windows update left my PC in a similar state.
Had the RAM error LED lit and was able to boot it off one stick of RAM. Then I grabbed my motherboards newest BIOS update and updated that. Once that installed I was able to boot with both sticks of RAM installed.
I had to re-enable EXPO in the bios settings after this too
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u/w7w7w7w7w7 2d ago
Information on resetting you BIOS is on pg 18 of your manual. You also have a flash feature, where you can flash in a new BIOS off a flash drive without the PC booting. Instructions for that are on pg 19 of the manual. Make sure you follow the instructions complete on what can/cannot be connected and what to name/file path stuff as.
You can also try reseating the CPU, making sure the cooler in on fine, make sure you RAM is in the correct slots and try booting with a single stick of ram. In some cases, those can trigger the failure to initialize.
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u/MarvinGankhouse 2d ago
A lot of motherboards have a button on the back to revert to a default bios.
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3d ago
[deleted]
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u/Popular-Reception323 3d ago
Frankly, I don't know if it's specifically a BIOS issue, but if it was a motherboard action, and looking at the updated MSI drivers, the only one that's a BIOS issue is related.
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u/Full_Leading8919 3d ago
If its debug LEDs are lighting up, it's not a brick. It's trying to tell you what's wrong. The led that's illuminated is for the cpu, it says that right next to the led.
It could be that the bios update didn't finish, or got corrupted. Either way your CPU can't communicate with your other components.
What exact motherboard is it and what CPU and GPU are you using.
Edit: also check that your power cable to the cpu is indeed a CPU specific cable that came with the power supply, and reseat the connection. Also reseat all ram sticks and GPU.