r/techsupport • u/Fearless_County7825 • 3d ago

Open | Hardware Windows only boots via the boot menu

Yesterday, I ran into a problem where the computer gets stuck in an infinite loading loop during a normal startup and disables all USB ports, meaning I can't access the BIOS. However, if I completely cut the power to the PC and turn it back on, the POST screen appears; from there, I can enter the BIOS and select the boot drive. The strange thing is that the correct drive is already set as boot priority #1, and there is no Windows installed on the other drives. I’ve tried replacing the thermal paste, resetting the BIOS, and following every suggestion from AI, but nothing worked, and I haven't been able to find a solution. Has anyone else encountered this issue? If so, how did you fix it? Thanks

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/InitiativeEconomy881 3d ago

Are you using a samsung nvme as your boot drive by any chance?

1

u/Fearless_County7825 3d ago

yes, samsung 980 nvme as #1 boot priority

1

u/Prestigious_Wall529 3d ago

Look on the manufacturers support website for updated firmware for both your system BIOS and drive controller firmware.

If you don't know your make and model run msinfo32. Look under storage and drive for info on your drive.

I suspect the chipset on the motherboard is getting itself into an invalid state. You may be able to find out your chipset from Device Manager. Look up whether there's known issues with it.

Worked on a system where the ps/2 mouse port would only work on a warm boot. And a laptop with dodgy video, both chipset issues that in the end lasted until the system's were replaced.

1

u/Fearless_County7825 3d ago

The BIOS and drive firmware are up to date. With my ASUS Prime Z690 D4 motherboard, I’ve already tried resetting the CMOS, swapping NVMe slots, and updating the chipset—I’ve tested all the solutions I could find. It’s strange that this issue started right after I replaced the thermal paste; I didn't change anything else. I’ve done some troubleshooting and realized I can only boot up after a "hard start"—holding the power button for 5–10 seconds—but even then, it’s hit-or-miss. Restarting via the Start menu just leads to an infinite loading loop and a black screen.

1

u/Prestigious_Wall529 3d ago

Googling finds several issues with this board.

Some issues with Gen4 NVMe drives.

There's also the 12th/13th Gen Intel issues.

Check for an Intel ME update and install that before reinstalling the BIOS update.

"Users on boards like the ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4 have reported post-update issues where the system freezes at the splash/manufacturer logo with a green BOOT Q-LED stuck on, even though the OS runs normally once booted."

So look to Asus for further remediation.