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Framework Laptop 13 BIOS Update Bricks Ryzen 7040 Models

Created at 19 Aug · 8:26 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Framework is investigating reports that a recent BIOS update for its Laptop 13 models with AMD Ryzen 7040 processors is causing systems to become unbootable. The company is replacing affected mainboards, even for some out-of-warranty units, and developing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" for future BIOS releases.

Key Numbers

7040Ryzen processor series affected
3.20BIOS version causing issues

Who's Involved

Framework
Laptop manufacturer responding to BIOS update issues
Sven
Framework forum user reporting a stalled BIOS update
Guanzhong Chen
Blogger suggesting software bug as cause of motherboard failure
Framework Laptop 13 BIOS Update Bricks Ryzen 7040 Models

↳ Why This Matters

The issue impacts users' ability to use their laptops and highlights the critical nature of BIOS updates, prompting the manufacturer to offer out-of-warranty replacements and develop enhanced recovery features.

Key facts

  • A BIOS update for the Framework Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen 7040 processors has reportedly bricked some devices.
  • Framework has received reports of a small percentage of these updates resulting in non-bootable boards.
  • The company is replacing affected mainboards, including some out-of-warranty units where the BIOS update is confirmed as the cause.
  • Framework is developing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" for BIOS updates to allow recovery from failed installations.

Framework is addressing user complaints that a recent BIOS update for its Laptop 13 models equipped with AMD Ryzen 7040-series processors is causing the devices to become unbootable. The company began shipping these configurations and compatible motherboards in 2023.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Framework is investigating reports that a recent BIOS update (version 3.20) for Ryzen 7040-series processors is causing systems to become unbootable.

Framework is replacing affected mainboards, including some out-of-warranty units, and is developing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" for future BIOS updates.

The issue specifically affects Framework Laptop 13 models with AMD Ryzen 7040-series processors.

What Happens Next

01Framework will provide more information on the root cause of the BIOS update failures.
02Framework will roll out the "Crisis Recovery Mode" to other laptop models.

How It Developed

Framework released BIOS 3.20 for its Ryzen 7040-based Laptop 13 computers.
Users reported that the BIOS update process stalled, rendering their laptops unbootable.
Framework acknowledged a small percentage of updates resulted in non-bootable boards and is investigating the cause.
The company will replace out-of-warranty mainboards if a stable BIOS update caused the issue.
Framework is introducing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" for failed BIOS updates.

Sources

T1
Framework responds to complaints that BIOS update bricks Ryzen 7040 laptopsvar abtest_2168373 = new ABTest(2168373, 'impression');Ars Technica

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