Framework has responded to user complaints about BIOS updates causing Ryzen 7040 laptops to become unbootable, with reports dating back to at least March 2025. Some users were told they needed new motherboards, but Framework initially refused free replacements for out-of-warranty devices.

Framework told Ars Technica that it will replace in-warranty Mainboards and make exceptions for out-of-warranty replacements when a stable-release BIOS update is confirmed as the cause. The company is also introducing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" BIOS feature to help recover from failed updates, which is already included in the latest Framework Desktop BIOS and will be rolled out to Laptop 12, 13, and 16 soon.

Blogger Guanzhong Chen detailed his experience with a bricked motherboard, suggesting the issue may stem from a software bug causing random memory display on screen. He noted that despite the BIOS flashing slowly during normal operation compared to a basic 15 MHz programmer, he was eventually able to restore firmware after a support rep suggested buying a new board.

The exact cause remains unclear until Framework provides further details.