If you installed the Windows 11 update KB5121003 and your HP laptop will not turn on, or your Lenovo laptop stopped charging, you are not alone. This update has been causing both problems since August 2026, and there is still no official fix from Microsoft, HP, or Lenovo. This guide tells you exactly what is going wrong and how to fix it today.
Quick Answer
- KB5121003 is Windows 11’s August 2026 update, released August 11, 2026
- It is causing BIOS corruption on some HP laptops (black screen, failed install)
- It is causing random charging failures on some Lenovo laptops
- No official fix exists yet. The safest fix right now is to uninstall the update
- HP has released a new BIOS version (F.07 Rev.A) that may help prevent the issue
What Is KB5121003
KB5121003 is a regular monthly Windows update. Microsoft released it on August 11, 2026 for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. After installing it, your build number becomes:
- 26200.9168 on Windows 11, version 25H2
- 26100.9168 on Windows 11, version 24H2
Not sure which version you have? Our free What Windows Version Do I Have tool tells you instantly, no download needed.
The update itself added some useful features, like fingerprint login support for external readers, new touchpad gestures, and the option to remove AI tools on Copilot+ PCs. It also came with the usual month’s security fixes and continued Microsoft’s ongoing Secure Boot certificate rollout, which you can read more about in our servicing stack update guide. The problems only started after installation, on specific laptop brands.
Why Is My HP Laptop’s BIOS Corrupted After This Update
Since KB5121003 came out, many HP users have reported the same thing. The update gets stuck during install, the screen goes black, and the laptop will not boot properly afterward. HP has not officially blamed the update in a public statement, but here is the strongest clue so far: on September 4, 2026, HP quietly released a new BIOS update, version F.07 Rev.A, and its release notes say it “improves system stability when Windows Update is run.” That is HP fixing the problem without saying so directly.
Why Is My Lenovo Laptop Not Charging After This Update
Lenovo laptops have a different problem. After installing KB5121003, some devices randomly lose power even while plugged in, and can shut down without warning. This looks like a power management bug introduced by the update. Lenovo has not confirmed this officially, and there is no Lenovo firmware fix available yet.
How to Fix It: Uninstall KB5121003
This is the most reliable fix right now for both the HP and Lenovo problems. Here is how:
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Update history
- Click Uninstall updates
- Find KB5121003 in the list
- Click Uninstall, then restart your PC
Keep in mind, uninstalling the update also removes this month’s security fixes. Treat this as a temporary fix, not a permanent one. If you manage several PCs and want to stop this update from reinstalling itself, go to Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates and pause for as long as needed.
How to Fix an HP Laptop Stuck on a Black Screen
If your HP laptop will not boot after this update, try this before anything else:
- Turn the laptop off completely and unplug any external devices
- Press and hold Windows key + B (on some older HP models, use Windows key + V instead)
- While still holding those keys, press and hold the Power button for 2 to 3 seconds
- Release the power button but keep holding Windows key + B
- Your laptop should begin a BIOS recovery process automatically
If your laptop still boots normally, it is safer to update to HP’s new BIOS version F.07 Rev.A before installing any more Windows updates.
Was This the Only Problem With KB5121003
No. Microsoft has already confirmed and fixed one separate bug from this same update: Teams and the new Outlook app were failing to open on ARM-based devices like the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. That specific issue was fixed by the September update, KB5129195. The HP BIOS and Lenovo charging problems are different bugs, and they are still not fixed.
Some gamers also reported crashes with RGB lighting software and anti-cheat tools after this update, caused by tighter security checks Windows now runs. That issue is also still unresolved.
Should I Install KB5121003 on My HP or Lenovo Laptop
If you have not installed it yet and you own an HP or Lenovo laptop, it is worth waiting a little, or at least checking your manufacturer’s support site for a newer BIOS first. If you are on a different brand, like Dell, Asus, or a custom build, there is no reported issue, and you can install it normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KB5121003?
KB5121003 is Microsoft’s August 2026 monthly update for Windows 11, version 25H2 and 24H2, released August 11, 2026. It moves 25H2 to build 26200.9168 and 24H2 to build 26100.9168.
Why did my HP laptop’s BIOS get corrupted after Windows update?
This appears to be caused by KB5121003. HP has not made an official statement, but released a new BIOS version, F.07 Rev.A, on September 4, 2026, that seems to address the problem.
Why is my Lenovo laptop not charging after a Windows update?
KB5121003 appears to cause a power management bug on some Lenovo laptops, leading to random charging failures. There is no official fix from Lenovo yet.
How do I uninstall KB5121003?
Go to Settings, then Windows Update, then Update history, then Uninstall updates. Find KB5121003 and click Uninstall, then restart your PC.
My HP laptop has a black screen and won’t turn on. What do I do?
Turn it off, unplug everything, then hold Windows key + B (or Windows key + V on older models) and press the power button for 2 to 3 seconds to start BIOS recovery.
Does the September Windows update fix this?
No. KB5129195 fixed a different problem, a Teams and Outlook crash on ARM devices. The HP BIOS and Lenovo charging issues are separate and still unresolved.
Is it safe to install KB5121003 now?
If you do not own an HP or Lenovo laptop, yes. If you do, check for a newer BIOS update from your manufacturer first, and consider waiting for an official fix.
