How to boot from USB disk in the BIOS (Boot Menu) - ideapad, Lenovo

Steps and instructions to boot from a USB disk in Lenovo's BIOS boot menu for Windows

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Steps and instructions to boot from a USB disk in Lenovo's BIOS boot menu for Windows

Description

Use the following steps to get the system to boot from USB drive (or USB stick).

See the following link for information about how to create a USB drive: How to Create a USB Recovery Drive and Use it to Recover Windows 10.

Applicable Brands

ideapad, Lenovo

Solution

The initial step is to disable Secure Boot. Secure Boot causes the computer to only boot firmware that the manufacturer trusts.

Once Secure Boot is off, go to the Boot Menu and select the boot device from the menu. 

process

Before disabling Secure Boot, please be aware that once BitLocker detects changes in your boot environment, it will prompt for recovery information to double-confirm the security of your Windows. Make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key or other available recovery information prepared before disabling Secure Boot. This will ensure that you can properly recover and unlock the encrypted drive when needed.
Note: Disabling BitLocker can have potential security risks and negative effects on your system. Make sure you have appropriate backup measures and alternative security measures in place if you choose to turn off BitLocker.

1. Go into the BIOS to disable Secure Boot

1. Find your BitLocker recovery key

2. Disable BitLocker. Note: Disabling BitLocker can have potential security risks and negative effects on your system. Make sure you have appropriate backup measures and alternative security measures in place if you choose to turn off BitLocker.

To disable BitLocker, follow these steps:

  1. In Control Panel, search for BitLocker using the search bar in the top-right corner and select BitLocker Drive Encryption.
  2. In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, you will see a list of drives that are currently encrypted. Choose the drive(s) for which you want to disable BitLocker.
  3. Click Turn off BitLocker next to the selected drive(s).
  4. A confirmation window will appear asking if you want to decrypt the drive. Click Decrypt Drive to proceed.
  5. The decryption process will begin and may take some time depending on the size and amount of data on the drive.
  6. Once the decryption is complete, the selected drive(s) will be decrypted and BitLocker will be disabled.

Change Secure Boot BIOS Setting (for 2020 or newer devices)

  1. Enter BIOS (Recommended way to enter BIOS - ideapad).
    • Note: The following BIOS screens may look different than what your model displays, but the steps will be the same.
  2. Press F9 (Fn+F9) to load optimized defaults, and choose Yes when asked to load the default configuration.

Load default configuration prompt

  1. Secure Boot might need to be disabled, depending on the bootable media used.
    • The Secure Boot setting is found under the Security tab.
    • Note: To find more information about disabling Secure Boot, visit: Disabling Secure Boot.

Secure boot setting in the security tab in BIOS

  1. Press F10 (Fn+F10) to save configuration changes and exit. Choose Yes when prompted to save changes.

Prompt asking to confirm configuration changes and quit

Change Secure Boot BIOS Setting (for 2019 or older devices)

  1. Enter BIOS (Recommended way to enter BIOS - ideapad).
    • Note: The following BIOS screens may look different than what your model displays, but the steps will be the same.
  2. Open the Exit menu (try to use the Tab key or PgUp, PgDn, or arrow keys to switch).
  3. Set OS Optimized Defaults to Other OS, or go to the Boot tab. Set the Boot Mode to Legacy Support, then set USB Boot to Enabled.

BIOS menu

BIOS menu

  1. Press F9 (Fn+F9) to Load Default Settings. Choose Yes when prompted.

Default settings

  1. Press F10 (Fn+F10) to save BIOS changes. Choose Yes when prompted.

Save

  1. Secure Boot might need to be disabled, depending on the bootable media used.
    • The Secure Boot setting is found under the Security tab.
    • Note: To find more information about disabling Secure Boot, visit: Disabling Secure Boot.

Secure boot setting in BIOS for devices built before 2020

2. Select the Boot device from Boot Menu using a Function Key or Novo Button

Option 1: Function Key

  1. Plug in a bootable USB disk (USB Stick).
  2. Restart the PC and press F12 (Fn+F12) during power-on to access the Boot Menu.

Boot menu

  1. Use the arrow keys to highlight the desired boot device from the Boot Menu. Press Enter to boot from the device.

Boot menu

Option 2: Novo Button

  1. Plug in a bootable USB disk (USB Stick). Shut down the machine first, then press Novo Button.
    • Note: The Novo button allows the PC to power on and go straight to Boot mode.

Novo button

  1. Choose Boot Menu. Select boot from the USB disk.

Boot menu


Document ID:HT500207
Original Publish Date:05/09/2016
Last Modified Date:12/16/2024