The BIOS is the firmware interface that starts before Windows loads and controls important hardware and boot settings on a Lenovo computer. You may need to enter BIOS to change the boot order, enable or disable hardware features, configure virtualization, check system information, change security settings, or prepare the computer to boot from a USB drive.
On Lenovo laptops and desktops, the exact way to enter BIOS depends on the model. Many Lenovo systems use the F1 or F2 key during startup, while some laptops provide a dedicated Novo button that opens a recovery and boot menu. Windows 11 also provides a way to restart directly into the UEFI firmware settings when supported.
If your Lenovo computer starts too quickly for you to press the BIOS key, the Windows 11 Advanced Startup method is often easier. The following methods explain the main ways to access BIOS or UEFI settings on Lenovo PCs.
Method 1: Enter BIOS Using the F2 Key
Many Lenovo laptops use the F2 key to open BIOS or UEFI setup.
Start with the computer completely powered off.
- Shut down Windows.
- Wait until the laptop is completely off.
- Press the Power button.
- Immediately begin pressing F2 repeatedly.
- Continue pressing the key until the BIOS or UEFI setup screen appears.
On some Lenovo models, you may need to press Fn + F2 instead.
If the F2 key does not work, try holding Fn while pressing F2 during startup.
Once BIOS opens, you can navigate through the available menus using the keyboard. Some newer Lenovo systems also provide mouse support.
Avoid changing settings unless you understand their purpose. Incorrect BIOS configuration can prevent Windows from starting or change how your hardware operates.
Method 2: Use the F1 Key on Lenovo ThinkPad Models
Many Lenovo ThinkPad computers use F1 to enter BIOS Setup.
To try this method:
- Shut down the Lenovo computer.
- Press the power button.
- Immediately press F1 repeatedly.
- Continue until the BIOS Setup Utility opens.
If your ThinkPad does not respond to F1, check whether your model uses the Fn key with the function row.
You can also watch the startup screen for instructions. Some Lenovo systems briefly display a message indicating which key opens Setup.
Once inside BIOS, use the available menus to review or modify settings.
Method 3: Enter BIOS Through Windows 11 Settings
If pressing a function key is difficult, Windows 11 can restart the computer directly into the UEFI firmware settings on supported Lenovo systems.
This is particularly useful when the laptop has a fast startup process.
- Press Windows + I.
- Select System.
- Click Recovery.
- Find Advanced startup.
- Click Restart now.
- Windows will restart and display the recovery environment.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Choose UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart.
The computer should restart and open the firmware setup interface.
The exact wording may vary depending on your Windows version and Lenovo model.
If UEFI Firmware Settings does not appear, the computer may use a different firmware configuration or the option may not be exposed through Windows.
Method 4: Use the Lenovo Novo Button
Some Lenovo laptops include a small Novo button that provides access to startup and recovery options.
The button is often located near the power button or on the side of the laptop. On some models, it may require a pin or similar blunt object to press.
Before using it, shut down the computer.
- Turn off the Lenovo laptop.
- Locate the Novo button.
- Press the button.
- Wait for the Novo Button Menu to appear.
- Select BIOS Setup or the equivalent BIOS option.
The menu may also provide options such as:
- Normal Startup
- BIOS Setup
- Boot Menu
- System Recovery
The available choices depend on the Lenovo model.
Do not press the button repeatedly with excessive force. If your laptop does not have a Novo button, use one of the other BIOS access methods.
Method 5: Use the Boot Menu to Access BIOS-Related Options
Some Lenovo systems provide a separate boot menu that is useful when you need to choose a temporary boot device.
The boot menu is different from BIOS Setup, but it can be useful when your objective is simply to boot from a USB drive or another storage device.
On many Lenovo systems, F12 opens the boot menu during startup.
Try the following:
- Shut down the Lenovo computer.
- Connect your bootable USB drive if needed.
- Turn on the computer.
- Press F12 repeatedly.
- Wait for the Boot Menu.
- Select the desired boot device.
Some Lenovo models may require Fn + F12.
If you specifically need to change permanent boot settings, enter BIOS Setup instead of selecting a temporary boot device.
Method 6: Restart Directly to UEFI Firmware Using a Command
Windows 11 can also be restarted into firmware settings using a command.
Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as an administrator.
Enter:
shutdown /r /fw /t 0Press Enter.
The /r option restarts Windows, while /fw requests that the system boot into the firmware interface on the next restart.
This method only works when the computer’s firmware supports the required UEFI functionality.
If Windows restarts normally instead of opening BIOS, use the Settings method or the Lenovo-specific startup key for your model.
Save your work before running the command because the computer will restart immediately.
Method 7: Disable Fast Startup If You Cannot Catch the BIOS Key
If your Lenovo laptop starts Windows extremely quickly, you may have difficulty pressing the BIOS key at the correct moment.
Windows Fast Startup can contribute to this behavior on supported systems.
You can temporarily disable Fast Startup through Control Panel.
- Open Start.
- Search for Control Panel.
- Open it.
- Select Hardware and Sound.
- Click Power Options.
- Select Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Look for Turn on fast startup.
- Clear the checkbox.
- Click Save changes.
- Shut down the computer.
- Turn it on and try pressing F1 or F2 repeatedly.
Fast Startup is different from BIOS or UEFI itself. Disabling it simply gives you more opportunity to interact with the startup process.
After you finish accessing BIOS, you can enable Fast Startup again if you want to use it.
Method 8: Find the Correct BIOS Key for Your Lenovo Model
Lenovo uses different startup keys across its product families.
Common possibilities include:
- F1 for certain ThinkPad and business systems
- F2 for many Lenovo laptops
- Fn + F2 when function-key behavior requires it
- F12 for the boot menu
- Novo button on supported laptops
Because the exact key can vary, check the documentation for your specific Lenovo model if the common methods do not work.
You can also watch the first screen that appears after pressing the power button. Some systems briefly display startup instructions.
If the screen disappears too quickly, use the Windows 11 UEFI Firmware Settings method instead.
What Can You Change in Lenovo BIOS?
Once you successfully enter BIOS, you will see configuration options that vary by model.
Common BIOS settings include:
- Boot order
- Secure Boot
- TPM or security settings
- Virtualization
- USB boot
- Storage configuration
- System date and time
- Device configuration
- Password and security settings
- Hardware information
Not every Lenovo computer provides all of these options.
If you are preparing to install Windows 11, you may encounter settings related to TPM, Secure Boot, and UEFI boot mode.
Do not change these settings randomly. For example, changing storage-controller settings can sometimes make an existing Windows installation fail to boot.
If you are following a specific installation or troubleshooting procedure, change only the settings required for that procedure.
How to Exit Lenovo BIOS Without Making Changes
If you opened BIOS only to check a setting, you can leave without changing anything.
Look for an option such as:
Exit Without Saving Changes
You can also use the appropriate keyboard shortcut displayed by your BIOS interface.
If you made changes intentionally, choose the option to Save Changes and Exit.
Before saving, review the changes carefully.
If you are unsure what you changed, exiting without saving is generally preferable to accidentally applying an unknown configuration.
What If F1 or F2 Does Not Work?
If the usual BIOS keys do not work, try these checks:
- Completely shut down the computer.
- Turn it on again.
- Press the key repeatedly immediately after powering on.
- Try Fn + F1 or Fn + F2 where applicable.
- Try the Windows 11 UEFI Firmware Settings method.
- Check whether your Lenovo has a Novo button.
- Look up the startup instructions for the exact model.
Make sure you are not pressing the key only after the Windows logo appears. BIOS access normally needs to be triggered during the early startup stage.
If the keyboard is not working during startup, an external USB keyboard can sometimes help on desktop systems and certain laptops.
BIOS vs. UEFI on Lenovo Computers
Modern Lenovo computers generally use UEFI firmware rather than the traditional BIOS architecture.
People still commonly use the word “BIOS” to refer to the firmware setup interface.
The interface may therefore be called:
- BIOS Setup
- UEFI Setup
- UEFI Firmware Settings
- BIOS/UEFI Setup Utility
For everyday purposes, these terms often refer to the firmware configuration screen you access before Windows loads.
If Windows 11 displays UEFI Firmware Settings, selecting that option takes you to the firmware interface without requiring you to catch a function key during startup.
Conclusion
Entering BIOS on a Lenovo computer is usually straightforward once you know which startup method your particular model uses. Many Lenovo systems use F1 or F2, while F12 is commonly associated with the temporary boot menu. Some laptops also provide a dedicated Novo button that gives you direct access to BIOS Setup and other startup options.
If you cannot press the correct key quickly enough, Windows 11 provides an easier alternative. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, restart into the recovery environment, and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings when the option is available.
You can also use the shutdown /r /fw /t 0 command to request a restart into UEFI firmware on compatible systems.
Remember that BIOS and UEFI settings control important parts of the computer’s hardware and startup process. Avoid changing options without knowing what they do, especially boot, storage, security, and firmware settings. If you only need to boot from a USB drive, the temporary Boot Menu may be safer than changing the permanent boot order.
FAQs
1. What key opens BIOS on a Lenovo laptop?
The key depends on the Lenovo model. Many systems use F1 or F2, and some require Fn + F1 or Fn + F2. Lenovo laptops with a Novo button can also use that button to access BIOS Setup.
2. How do I enter BIOS on Lenovo from Windows 11?
Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart if the option is available.
3. What is the Lenovo F12 boot menu?
The F12 boot menu lets you temporarily select a device from which to start the computer, such as a USB drive. It is different from BIOS Setup, where you can permanently change firmware settings.
4. Why can’t I enter BIOS by pressing F2?
You may be pressing the key too late, or your Lenovo model may use a different key. Try pressing F2 repeatedly immediately after turning on the computer, use Fn + F2 if applicable, or enter UEFI Firmware Settings through Windows 11.
Quick Summary
- Lenovo computers commonly use F1 or F2 to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup.
- Use Windows 11 Advanced Startup > UEFI Firmware Settings when the startup key is difficult to catch.
- The Novo button on supported Lenovo laptops provides another way to access BIOS Setup.
- F12 is generally used for the temporary boot menu rather than the full BIOS configuration.