Windows update fetches all sorts of things now. If the hardware advertises X device then Windows update will check if it has anything for it. Approved vendors can provide all sorts of guff. Historically that has included drivers that intentionally brick your devices. HP probably packaged up some software that updates the BIOS and got it into the Windows Update DBs.
Oof, that sounds horrible. Hope you’re doing better now.
(Serves you right for rubbing your glands on other peoples glands! No more neck hugs allowed.)