Framework Investigates BIOS Update Bricking Ryzen 7040 Laptops, Promises Crisis Recovery Mode

Framework is investigating reports that a recent BIOS update for the Framework Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen 7040-series processors is bricking some devices, leaving users with non-bootable systems. The update, BIOS 3.20 released in June 2026, added support for features like a haptic touchpad and new speakers, but multiple users have reported the installation stalling and rendering their laptops unusable.

One forum user described their experience: "The update process seems to have stalled... What I see is a black screen and a progress bar with 2 dots and then the Framework logo. The progress bar is not moving for about 3 hours now. Also, I can’t turn off the Framework using the power button, no matter how long I hold it down."

Framework acknowledged the issue in a statement to Ars Technica, saying it has "received reports of a small percentage of Framework Laptop 13 7040 Series BIOS updates resulting in non-bootable boards." The company is investigating the root cause. In the meantime, it is making exceptions for out-of-warranty replacements where a stable-release BIOS update caused the board to fail, and it is introducing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" BIOS functionality to allow failed updates to be directly recoverable. This will roll out to the Laptop 12, 13, and 16 in upcoming BIOS release cycles.

The situation is complicated by reports that some users, after contacting support, were told they needed a new motherboard and that it wouldn't be free because they were past warranty. Framework's statement suggests a policy shift, but only time will tell how consistently it's applied.

Independent developer Guanzhong Chen, who documented their own experience, suspects a bug in the BIOS flashing software itself. They noted that the process "somehow flashes the BIOS slower in regular operation than a cheap 15 MHz programmer over pogo pins," raising questions about what the software is actually doing.

This isn't the first time Ryzen 7040-based Framework Laptop 13 users have encountered BIOS update problems, with reports going back to March 2025. For a company that prides itself on repairability and user empowerment, a BIOS update that bricks hardware is a significant black eye. The promise of Crisis Recovery Mode—which would allow users to recover from a failed update without specialized hardware—is a step in the right direction, but it's coming after the fact for affected customers.

What this means for developers and tinkerers

For a devtools-focused audience, this episode underscores the risks of updating firmware on devices you depend on for work. It's a reminder that even with reputable manufacturers, BIOS/UEFI updates can be risky, and it's wise to back up important data and have a recovery plan in place. Framework's move toward a built-in recovery mode is a positive development for a company that targets the tinkerer market—but the immediate pain for those affected is a cautionary tale about being an early adopter of firmware updates.

As Framework investigates, the community will be watching to see whether they identify a specific bug and how they handle replacements for out-of-warranty boards. The promise of Crisis Recovery Mode, if implemented well, could turn a recurring problem into a feature that sets Framework apart—but only if it works reliably.