Framework Laptop 13 BIOS Update Bricks Ryzen 7040 Models

In June 2026, Framework released BIOS version 3.20, which was intended to add support for features like a haptic touchpad and new speakers for the Pro model, and fix various issues. While some users have reported successful installations, numerous others have claimed the update process stalled, leaving their laptops with a black screen and a non-responsive progress bar.

Framework confirmed to Ars Technica that it has "received reports of a small percentage of Framework Laptop 13 7040 Series BIOS updates resulting in non-bootable boards" and is investigating the root cause. The company stated that in addition to replacing in-warranty mainboards, it will make exceptions for out-of-warranty replacements when it can confirm a stable-release BIOS update caused the board to become non-bootable.

Furthermore, Framework is introducing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" BIOS functionality to enable recovery from failed updates. This feature is included in the latest Framework Desktop BIOS release and is being brought to Framework Laptop 12, 13, and 16 in upcoming releases. Blogger Guanzhong Chen suggested the problem might stem from a software bug that caused display issues, noting the slow flashing speed during their own recovery process.