Framework BIOS Update Leaves Ryzen 7040 Machines Unbootable; Workaround Available
BIOS updates for the Framework Laptop 13 have rendered multiple Ryzen 7040-series models unbootable. Exceptional motherboard replacement is offered even for out-of-warranty units.
AFFILIATE_PRODUCTS: Framework Laptop 13
Based on a report by Scharon Harding for Ars Technica.
Unbootable After BIOS 3.20 Update
Multiple reports of boot failures following a BIOS update have surfaced for Framework Laptop 13 models equipped with AMD Ryzen 7040 series processors. Framework began shipping pre-built PCs and compatible mainboards for this model in 2023, and released BIOS version 3.20 in June 2026. This update included support for a new touchpad and speakers on the higher-end Framework Laptop 13 Pro, and a fix for an issue where the battery extender status was not displayed correctly after a reboot.
On the official Framework forum, multiple users have reported failed updates.
“The update process stopped midway. The screen is black, and a progress bar showing two dots and the Framework logo doesn’t disappear. After leaving it for about three hours, it hasn’t progressed. I can’t shut it down by long-pressing the power button.”
Numerous Users Affected
This report, posted by forum user “Sven” in July 2026, is just one of over a dozen similar reports. A widespread issue has occurred where progress bars freeze and users are left with no means to turn off the machine. When Ars Technica inquired about the impact with Framework, the company responded, “We have received reports of a small number of Framework Laptop 13 7040 series units being unable to boot after a BIOS update.” It added that a detailed investigation into the cause is ongoing.
It is worth noting that reports of BIOS update troubles on Ryzen 7040 models have been confirmed since around March 2025, with this 3.20 version being the latest incident.
Exceptional Handling for Out-of-Warranty Cases
Some users were told by Framework support that a “new mainboard is required, but free replacement is not possible as it is out of warranty.” However, the company reversed this policy in a statement to Ars Technica.
“In addition to replacing mainboards within warranty, we will also, on an exceptional basis, replace mainboards that are outside of warranty if it is confirmed they became unbootable due to a stable BIOS update.”
Furthermore, Framework announced the introduction of a “Crisis Recovery Mode” BIOS feature as a recovery method for update failures. This feature is already implemented in the latest Framework Desktop BIOS and is planned to be rolled out to the Laptop 12, 13, and 16 models in future BIOS update cycles.
Speculation on the Cause and Technical Background
Blogger Guanzhong Chen documented in detail his own experience of a damaged mainboard. Pointing to the root of the problem, he identified a “software bug where random memory contents are output onto the display screen.” This report suggests that abnormal memory management during the BIOS update process may be causing the freeze and boot failure.
Editorial Opinion
Framework’s exceptional handling can be evaluated as a necessary step toward restoring trust for users whose warranties have expired. However, it remains unclear how much time it will take for the “Crisis Recovery Mode” implementation to reach all Laptop models. In the short term, it is a reasonable decision for Ryzen 7040 users to postpone BIOS updates. In the long term, this incident highlights the importance of the testing phase in modular laptop development. BIOS updates are among the highest-risk operations in embedded fields, and comments are likely to emerge that the ability to automatically recover from update failures should have been incorporated from the design stage. Framework has been struck at a vulnerability stemming from its promotion of user-driven hardware innovation, and quality control in the update process will become a key issue determining future brand value. What this incident questions is the possibility of reconciling modular design with firmware stability. In a product design premised on module swapping, compatibility verification for BIOS and firmware becomes more complex than in traditional one-shot PCs.
References
- “Framework responds to complaints that BIOS update bricks Ryzen 7040 laptops”, by Scharon Harding — Ars Technica, 2026-08-19T20:21:59.000Z (CC BY-NC-ND)
- Source URL: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/08/framework-responds-to-complaints-that-bios-update-bricked-ryzen-7040-laptops/
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if my Framework Laptop 13 became unbootable after the BIOS 3.20 update?
- At this time, it is recommended to contact Framework Support to apply for exceptional assistance. The company has announced it will, on an exceptional basis, replace mainboards outside of warranty if it is confirmed they became unbootable due to a stable BIOS update. As "Crisis Recovery Mode" is not yet implemented on the Laptop 13, current self-help measures include attempting a shutdown by long-pressing the power button, and if that fails, reporting the issue on the official forum is effective.
- Is the same issue affecting other models like the Framework Laptop 16?
- The current reports are concentrated on the Framework Laptop 13 with Ryzen 7040 series processors. According to Framework's statement, "Crisis Recovery Mode" is planned to be rolled out to the Laptop 12, 13, and 16 models in future BIOS update cycles, suggesting a similar update is planned for the Laptop 16. However, there are no confirmed reports of a similar malfunction occurring on the Laptop 16 at this time.
- Are there any preventive measures to avoid a failed BIOS update?
- The basic precaution is to ensure a sufficient power supply before conducting the BIOS update to prevent power loss during the process. On Framework's forum, users are advised to take a backup before updating and to postpone applying officially reported problematic update versions. With the implementation of Crisis Recovery Mode, a recovery method for update failures is expected to be secured.
Comments