HP Halts BIOS Update After It Breaks Microsoft Entra ID Logins on New AI PCs
The launch of new AI-powered PCs has been highly anticipated, but for some early adopters of HP’s latest models, the experience has been disrupted by a significant software issue. A recent BIOS update intended for HP’s new Copilot+ PCs has been found to cause critical authentication failures with Microsoft Entra ID, a platform essential for countless businesses.
This problem effectively locks corporate users out of their devices, creating a serious obstacle for productivity and security. In response, HP has officially pulled the problematic update and is advising customers on how to mitigate the issue.
The Core of the Problem: A Faulty BIOS Update
The issue stems from BIOS version F.03, which was recently released for HP’s new generation of AI PCs, including the HP OmniBook X and EliteBook Ultra G1q.
Users who installed this update discovered they could no longer log into their Windows accounts using Microsoft Entra ID credentials. After entering their username and password, they were met with a generic error message from Microsoft stating, “Something went wrong,” often accompanied by the error code 80180014. This prevents the authentication process from completing, leaving the user unable to access their system.
Why This Is a Critical Issue for Businesses
Microsoft Entra ID (formerly known as Azure Active Directory) is not just a simple login service. It is the backbone of identity and access management for a vast number of organizations worldwide. It handles secure sign-ins, multi-factor authentication, and device compliance policies.
When authentication with Entra ID fails, it means that an employee cannot access their work profile, corporate data, or essential applications. For IT administrators, it represents a significant security and management challenge, as it prevents devices from being properly enrolled and managed within the corporate network. This is not a minor inconvenience but a major operational disruption.
Immediate Guidance for HP AI PC Users
In response to widespread reports, HP has taken swift action by removing the F.03 BIOS update from its official support website. The company’s guidance is clear:
- If you have not yet installed BIOS version F.03, do not proceed. You should avoid this update until a patched version is released.
- If you have already installed the update and are locked out, there is a temporary workaround available while HP develops a permanent solution.
A Temporary Workaround for Affected Devices
For users already impacted by the faulty update, HP has identified that a specific security feature is conflicting with Entra ID authentication. Disabling this feature in the BIOS can restore login functionality.
Warning: Disabling security features can have potential implications. It is recommended that users, especially in a corporate environment, consult with their IT department before making these changes.
Here are the steps to implement the temporary fix:
- Restart your computer. As it boots up, repeatedly press the F10 key to enter the BIOS setup menu.
- Navigate to the Security tab or section within the BIOS interface.
- Locate the setting for “HP TamperLock” and select it.
- Disable the HP TamperLock feature.
- Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart.
After the system reboots, you should be able to complete the Microsoft Entra ID authentication process and log into your device successfully.
What’s Next?
This workaround is only a temporary measure. HP has confirmed it is actively working on a new BIOS update that will permanently resolve the conflict without requiring users to disable security features.
Users and IT administrators should monitor HP’s official support channels for the release of the new, stable BIOS version. Until then, the best course of action is to avoid the F.03 update entirely or, if already installed, apply the temporary fix with caution. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of phased rollouts and thorough testing, especially when deploying updates for business-critical devices.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/hp-pulls-update-that-broke-microsoft-entra-id-auth-on-some-ai-pcs/
