[German]I'm posting a warning here in the blog that I received from a reader. It concerns at least the Lenovo L15 Gen1 (AMD) systems. The manufacturer seems to be delivering a faulty BIOS version 1.33, which is causing trouble. The notebooks end up with a black screen and can only be reactivated with tricks.
Advertising
Lenovo Thinkpad L15 G1
The blog post is about Lenovo Thinkpad L15 G1 (AMD Ryzen) 20U7-0066GE devices (whether other models are also affected remains to be seen). The notebooks have a 15-inch display and come with an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processor and AMD graphics card. The RAM can be expanded up to 64 GB. The Lenovo ThinkPad L15 20U70066GE has a 512 GB SSD, but is no longer on sale, although it is likely to still be widely used. The notebook was delivered with a pre-installed Microsoft Windows 10 Professional (64-bit).
Lenovo Thinkpad L15 G1 (AMD Ryzen) 20U7-0066GE
A reader's note about BIOS issues
A blog reader recently sent me an e-mail warning about problems with a BIOS upgrade. The blog reader works in the field of IT system integration and naturally gets his hands on a few computers in this capacity. These include Lenovo Thinkpad L15 G1 (AMD Ryzen) 20U7-0066GE devices.
Lenovo has released a new BIOS version 1.33 at the beginning of May 2024, but it is probably faulty or simply broken. In May 2023, the blog reader had two Lenovo notebooks model L15 G1 (AMD Ryzen) 20U7-0066GE on his desk, where an upgrade to BIOS version 1.33 was made. At least with these two notebooks, a black screen reproducibly appeared on the device including Lenovo Musical Sounds (display error). However, according to the reader, the boot process runs, including the Windows welcome sound.
However, if the device is connected and started with the HDMI or dock screen connected, the Windows logon screen appears after booting (before the screen went black on the laptop and no bios screen has been shown). In this constellation the internal notebook display suddenly reactivates.
Advertising
Lenovo BIOS-Version 1.33 Download
According to the reader, the problem is that Lenovo is still deploying this bios – e.g. via system update software and the website – the screenshot above is from May 26, 2024 and shows the BIOS update to version 1.33.
The reader then performed a flashback to BIOS version 1.32 after the BIOS upgrade to version 1.33 at the beginning of May caused problems. The monitor then worked on both devices and the problems described above disappeared. Subsequently, another notebook was updated to BIOS version 1.33 and the error was present again.
This is what the support team says
The reader opened a ticket with Lenovo via his company and reported the error. Lenovo support even issued a statement in response, which read: "We have escalated the problem mentioned. We ask you to keep the previous version of the BIOS (1.32) active until we release the new version of the BIOS." The reader assumes that a larger group of people should notice the problem shortly. At least the blog readership will then be warned accordingly. Thanks to the blog reader for pointing this out.
Advertising
Can confirm, BIOS 1.33 causes blank screen and appropriate sound error code. Connecting an external monitor brings the display back. Downgrading to 1.32 resolves the issue.
Model: L15 G1 AMD
Just experienced the same dead LCD output from this BIOS release. Pathetic QA incompetence releasing this on Lenovo's part, and not pulling it after users reported the symptoms. Still being offered by their System Update weeks later here.
Hi,
I flashed the bios with version 1.33 and I got a black screen.
I don't have the bios password
could you share with me your .bin file (8mo) with version 1.32 (required ch341A)
Sincerely
I don't have that BIIS nor such a notebook
What bios version do you have?
I don't have a Lenovo, sry.
Hi,
I have same issue, but if I connect external monitor to the laptop, I'm able to see what is happening during a boot sequence and when I boot the windows, the internal monitor will power up and it works until I shutdown the device. When I try to power up again a monitor doesn't light up and the I connect external monitor it doesn't light up to. Only during boot. I found actually a temporary fix for this. Don't know what option it was because I basically disabled everything then it just works again. I disabled secure boot device guard TPM everything what is able to be disabled I disable I've done this because I tried to roll back the bios and miserably failed. But at least it works now :D
I ran into the same after bios update to 1.33. after some google searching (on another old laptop) I found out that connecting an external monitor to the HDMI port fixed the problem, and i could use the laptop again.
I now found this where i could download the bios version 1.32:
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-l-series-laptops/thinkpad-l15-type-20u7-20u8/20u7/20u7s0e600/pf3pyjz5/downloads/ds545476-bios-update-utility-bootable-cd-for-windows-10-64-bit-thinkpad-l14-types-20u5-20u6-l15-types-20u7-20u8
and this guide to make a USB boot device:
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-T400-T500-and-newer-T-series-Laptops/How-to-update-BIOS-by-using-USB-memory-stick/m-p/5225903
Booted the Laptop up according to the guide with the external screen still pluged in.
Remember to disable the security in the current bios that prevents downgrading. (after power on hit F1 several times until you get in the current bios menu)