If you own a Lenovo laptop or desktop running Windows 11, there may come a time when you need to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI firmware settings. Whether it’s to change boot order, enable virtualization, fix hardware compatibility, or reset security options, knowing how to enter the BIOS is an essential skill for Lenovo users.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to enter BIOS on Windows 11 Lenovo devices, explain why you might need it, and share troubleshooting tips if things don’t go as planned.
📌 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)
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You can enter BIOS on Lenovo laptops and desktops by pressing F1, F2, or Enter during startup.
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On Windows 11, you can also access BIOS from Settings > Recovery > Advanced Startup.
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Lenovo devices often feature a Novo Button or Function keys for direct BIOS access.
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Use BIOS to change boot priority, enable/disable virtualization, configure TPM, or reset hardware defaults.
What is BIOS (or UEFI) in Windows 11?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s answer the “what.”
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BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware built into your PC that controls hardware settings and initializes devices before Windows loads.
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UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is its modern replacement, found on most Lenovo Windows 11 devices. It has a more user-friendly interface and supports faster booting and advanced features.
👉 Think of BIOS/UEFI as the control room for your Lenovo computer’s hardware.
Why Would You Need to Enter BIOS on a Lenovo Windows 11 Device?
You might need to enter BIOS/UEFI for several reasons:
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Change boot order (e.g., boot from USB or external drive).
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Enable virtualization (for running virtual machines in VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V).
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Enable or disable Secure Boot (needed for dual boot or installing Linux).
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Enable TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for Windows 11 requirements.
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Overclock or adjust power settings on select Lenovo desktops.
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Reset BIOS settings to factory defaults.
Methods to Enter BIOS on Lenovo Windows 11
There are several ways to access BIOS on a Lenovo system running Windows 11. Let’s go step by step.
1. Enter BIOS Using the Function Key (F1 or F2)
The most common method is pressing a function key immediately after turning on your Lenovo device.
Steps:
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Shut down your Lenovo laptop or desktop completely.
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Press the power button to turn it on.
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Immediately press F1 (most Lenovo ThinkPads and desktops) or F2 (some Lenovo IdeaPads and laptops).
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Keep pressing until the BIOS/UEFI screen appears.
✅ Best for: Quick access when restarting your PC.
2. Enter BIOS via the Novo Button (Lenovo Laptops Only)
Many Lenovo laptops come with a Novo Button — a small pinhole button next to the power button or on the side.
Steps:
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Shut down your laptop.
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Locate the Novo Button (look for a small hole with a curved arrow icon).
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Use a paperclip to press it.
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A menu will appear — select BIOS Setup.
✅ Best for: Users who can’t time the function key press.
3. Enter BIOS from Windows 11 Settings
If you don’t want to deal with startup key timing, you can reboot into BIOS directly from Windows 11.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > Recovery.
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Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
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On the blue screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
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Click Restart.
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Your Lenovo PC will reboot into BIOS.
✅ Best for: Beginners or when the function keys aren’t working.
4. Enter BIOS via Command Prompt
Advanced users can also launch BIOS using a command.
Steps:
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Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
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Enter this command:
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Your PC will restart into Advanced Startup Options.
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From there, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
✅ Best for: IT professionals and power users.
5. Enter BIOS on Lenovo Desktop Models
On most Lenovo desktops, entering BIOS works with:
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F1 key (most ThinkCentre, ThinkStation models).
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F2 key (some IdeaCentre models).
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Delete key (on gaming desktops).
Tip:
Check your Lenovo model’s manual, as key combinations can differ slightly.
What to Do If You Can’t Enter BIOS on Lenovo
Sometimes, you might struggle to enter BIOS despite trying the above methods. Here’s what to check:
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Fast Boot enabled: Disable it from Windows to make key-press timing easier.
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External keyboards: If using USB keyboards, try a wired one (wireless keyboards may not register during boot).
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Firmware issues: Update your BIOS/UEFI from Lenovo’s support website.
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Wrong key: Verify if your model uses F1, F2, Delete, or Novo Button.
Common Lenovo BIOS/UEFI Hotkeys (Quick Reference)
| Lenovo Device Type | BIOS Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ThinkPad laptops | F1 | Press immediately after power on |
| IdeaPad laptops | F2 / Novo | Novo button works if F2 fails |
| ThinkCentre desktops | F1 | |
| IdeaCentre desktops | F2 / Delete | Varies by model |
| Legion gaming laptops | F2 / Novo | Some models use Novo key |
Things You Can Configure in Lenovo BIOS
Once inside the BIOS, here are some common settings you can tweak:
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Boot sequence (Boot from USB/DVD)
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Secure Boot on/off
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Enable/Disable TPM 2.0
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Enable virtualization (Intel VT-x/AMD-V)
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Power management options
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Hardware diagnostics
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Password and security options
⚠️ Caution: Changing BIOS settings incorrectly can cause boot issues. Always take note of default values before making changes.
Pros and Cons of Accessing BIOS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lets you control hardware settings | Risk of misconfiguring settings |
| Needed for dual-boot setups | Can be confusing for beginners |
| Enables advanced features like virtualization | Wrong changes may prevent Windows from loading |
| Allows hardware troubleshooting | Some features are hidden or advanced-only |
Conclusion
Learning how to enter BIOS on Windows 11 Lenovo is an essential skill for troubleshooting, configuring, and optimizing your PC. Whether you use the F1/F2 key, the Novo Button, or the Windows Advanced Startup menu, you have multiple methods at your disposal.
👉 For most users, the easiest way is through Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup > UEFI Firmware Settings.
👉 Power users might prefer the function keys or Command Prompt method.
No matter which method you choose, remember to be cautious when changing BIOS settings. A small mistake can affect your system’s stability — but when used correctly, BIOS gives you the control you need.
FAQs About Entering BIOS on Lenovo Windows 11
1. What is the BIOS key for Lenovo laptops?
Most Lenovo laptops use F1 or F2, while some have a Novo Button for BIOS access.
2. Can I enter BIOS directly from Windows 11?
Yes. Go to Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup > UEFI Firmware Settings.
3. How do I enable virtualization on Lenovo Windows 11?
Enter BIOS → Go to Configuration > Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) → Enable → Save changes.
4. What if my Lenovo laptop boots too quickly to press F1 or F2?
Disable Fast Boot in Windows 11 or use the Novo Button.
5. Is BIOS and UEFI the same thing on Lenovo devices?
UEFI is the modern version of BIOS. Lenovo Windows 11 devices typically use UEFI firmware, but many users still call it BIOS.