Forum Discussion
Win11 update in BIOS loop.
11 July 2026
Hi
My Win11 notebook was updating and then it suddenly went in to a BIOS loop. After downloading Win11 setup installation from the Media Creation Tool on a USB stick, I restrated the notebook with the usb in place and I reached the "Select setup option" see pic below. This screen asks to 1) Install Win 11 or 2) Repair my PC. I chose to repair my PC - clicked Next and was immediately returned to the "Select setup option" screen another loop? Anyway the other option is the Install Windoes 11 and check the "I agree everything will be deleted inc. files apps and settings". I am hesitant to use this option as I don't want to lose any of my data on the Sata Hdd.
Q: Is there is another way to reinstall Win11 without loss of data?
In order not to lose any data I decided to install a new Sata Hdd and Win11 - afresh. But now in the Bios the the newly installed Hdd is displayed but the usb stick with the Win11 setup from the Media Creation Tool is nowhere to be seen?
Q: Why does the Bios does not recognize the usb stick with the Win11 setup when booted or when in the Bios?
I have reset the Bios settings for the boot as advised on the manufacuture's website.
Also, when I tried to read the old Hdd on another laptop the Hdd opens but the users field is empty - I read that this something to do with Hdd drive access privileges and need to reset to "anyone can access the Hdd". Not at all sure how to reset the Users access.
To save the data on the old Hdd and get the new Hdd up and running - what is the best solution.
Thanks,
srm
14.07.26
Update to my BIOS loop problem.
- The Win11 installer downloaded from the WindowsMediaCreation.exe on the USB was not recognized in the BIOS because I did not run it and saved the files on the USB drive, instead I was using the WindowsMediaCreation.exe on the USB stick straight in the notebook and then booting it but BIOS didn't recognize anyfiles because it look at the WindowsMediaCreation.exe file as it was downloaded and not opened. After running the WindowsMediaCreation.exe file on the USB and then using it to boot the notebook - the BIOS immediately recognized the Win11 installer files and uploaded Win11 - which is now is now up and running on my notebook ( btw this was a fresh new install on new sata hdd). 🙂👍
- Next task is to get all the data on the old sata hdd on to the new sata hdd in the notebook! Update the user administration on the removed sata old hdd and transfer all data on to the new sata hdd
- Thanks srm
4 Replies
14.07.26
Update.
I didn't realize I had to run the Windows Media Creation Tool .exe file, save the contents on the USB drive and then use the USB for booting on the notebook to install Win11. So, yep it worked and I'm now running Win11 installed on the new sata hdd drive on my notebook. 😀
Next step is to get data of the old removed sata hdd drive, check the partitions on the hdd, change the settings for users access, etc.
Cheers
14.07.26
Update to my BIOS loop problem.
- The Win11 installer downloaded from the WindowsMediaCreation.exe on the USB was not recognized in the BIOS because I did not run it and saved the files on the USB drive, instead I was using the WindowsMediaCreation.exe on the USB stick straight in the notebook and then booting it but BIOS didn't recognize anyfiles because it look at the WindowsMediaCreation.exe file as it was downloaded and not opened. After running the WindowsMediaCreation.exe file on the USB and then using it to boot the notebook - the BIOS immediately recognized the Win11 installer files and uploaded Win11 - which is now is now up and running on my notebook ( btw this was a fresh new install on new sata hdd). 🙂👍
- Next task is to get all the data on the old sata hdd on to the new sata hdd in the notebook! Update the user administration on the removed sata old hdd and transfer all data on to the new sata hdd
- Thanks srm
Hi srmehta, if the notebook is dropping straight back into BIOS after the update, first check whether the internal SSD is still detected in BIOS. If the drive is missing, this is more likely storage/firmware than Windows. If the drive is visible, check the boot order and make sure Windows Boot Manager is first. When booting from the USB installer, choose Repair your computer instead of Install, then try Startup Repair. If that fails, open Command Prompt from recovery and check whether the Windows partition is still present before attempting a reinstall.
Thanks, I'll try the suggestions.
