HP laptop lights: what each colour and blink means

When an HP notebook finds a hardware error as it starts, the caps lock light (and on some models the num lock light) blinks a code: long red blinks, then short white blinks, repeating. The long blinks give the category, the short ones the detail, so 3 long red then 2 short white is written 3.2 and means a possible memory failure. On a caps lock light that is only white, both groups are white: count the long ones first.

HP’s article covers HP notebook PCs in general and does not list models. Some models also beep, but HP says audible codes are not supported on all models. HP says the codes identify a variety of issues on HP notebook PCs and does not list models, so check your model with HP Customer Support if the code is not on this page.

1. Caps lock blinks 2 long red, 2 short white

   The main area (DXE) of the BIOS is corrupted and no recovery copy of the BIOS is available.

   3 steps from HP on its page. If HP BIOS Update does not appear or the issue persists, HP says your computer might not support this function or there is a hard drive issue, and to go to HP Customer Support for assistance.

2. Caps lock blinks 2 long red, 3 short white

   The embedded controller (keyboard controller) policy requires you to type a key sequence.

   3 steps from HP on its page.

3. Caps lock blinks 2 long red, 4 short white

   The embedded controller (keyboard controller) is checking or recovering the boot block.

   3 steps from HP on its page.

4. Caps lock blinks 3 long red, 2 short white

   A possible memory failure.

   No step from HP you can do from outside the laptop. HP says to contact HP Customer Support if the computer does not start into Windows.

5. Caps lock blinks 3 long red, 3 short white

   A possible graphics chip failure.

   No step from HP you can do from outside the laptop. HP says to contact HP Customer Support for repair due to graphics or video failure.

6. Caps lock blinks 3 long red, 4 short white

   A possible power system failure.

   2 steps from HP on its page.

7. Caps lock blinks 3 long red, 5 short white

   The computer does not detect the processor (CPU).

   No step from HP you can do from outside the laptop. HP says to contact HP Customer Support for repair due to system board or CPU failure.

8. Caps lock blinks 3 long red, 6 short white

   The processor does not support a feature that is turned on.

   No step from HP you can do from outside the laptop.

9. Caps lock blinks 4 long red, 2 short white

   The processor (CPU) might be overheating.

   3 steps from HP on its page.

10. Caps lock blinks 4 long red, 3 short white

    The temperature around the computer (ambient temperature) might be too high.

    3 steps from HP on its page.

11. Caps lock blinks 4 long red, 4 short white

    The graphics processing unit (GPU) might be overheating.

    3 steps from HP on its page.

12. Caps lock blinks 5 long red, 2 short white

    The embedded controller (keyboard controller) cannot find valid firmware.

    3 steps from HP on its page.

13. Caps lock blinks 5 long red, 3 short white

    The embedded controller cannot reach the BIOS within its time limit.

    1 step from HP on its page. HP says to contact HP Customer Support if the issue persists.

14. Caps lock blinks 5 long red, 4 short white

    The embedded controller reached its time limit waiting for the BIOS to return from system board start-up.

    1 step from HP on its page. HP says to contact HP Customer Support if the issue persists.

15. Battery or power light off or blinking

    A battery power light that is off or blinking shows the condition of the power supply: the notebook may not be getting power from the AC adapter.

    5 steps from HP on its page. If the light at the power port is not on, HP says the AC adapter might not be working or the system board might be damaged, and to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

semiatic gives no repair instructions of its own; each state page repeats only HP’s steps.

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