Ok it worked. 1) I went here: https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/intel-microcode to check what version of intel-microcode to downgrade to. Basically I wanted the previous one that had no issues.
2) I used an ubuntu-live-usb to chroot into my yoga 710-11ISK laptop (intel m3-6Y30) 3) $ sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove intel-microcode 4) $ sudo apt install -y intel-microcode=3.20191115.1ubuntu3 That's the version from point 1 above 5) I was unable to update-initramfs for some reason while in chroot I noticed that ~1/7 reboots into recovery would work; don't know why. But I found out the hard way trying to figure out what the heck had gone wrong banging my head reboot after reboot! Anyway once in recovery mode I... $ sudo update-initramfs -u 6) I rebooted and logged-in multiple times to ensure problem is gone. Including from powered-off state. Awesome! 7) Ubuntu's package management will want to install the newest cr@p intel-microcode (I swear I'm getting AMD next time)... $ sudo apt-mark hold intel-microcode That holds the package from upgrading until the microcode is fixed. I don't think Ubuntu can fix this, it will have to be Intel. I hear Lenovo are now selling Ubuntu certified AMD laptops!... hmmm -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1882890 Title: intel-ucode/06-4e-03 from release 20200609 hangs system in early boot To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/intel-microcode/+bug/1882890/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
