Install a Windows operating system
Microsoft® constantly makes updates to the Windows operating system. Before installing a particular Windows version, check the compatibility list for the Windows version. For details, go to Windows Support.
- It is recommended that you update your operating system through official channels. Any unofficial update might cause security risks.
- The process of installing a new operating system deletes all the data on your internal storage drive,including the data stored in a hidden folder.
Before you install a Windows operating system, do the following:
- For models with a Trusted Platform Module, if you are using the Windows BitLocker® Drive Encryption feature, ensure that you have disabled the feature. You can re-enable the feature after the operating system installation is complete.
- Ensure that the security-related features (Security Chip, Virtualization, and Secure Boot) are enabled. To access the security-related features in the UEFI BIOS menu:
- Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 to enter the UEFI BIOS menu.
- Select Security and select the security-related features. Then, press Enter. Ensure that the security- related features are enabled.
- Press F10 to save the settings and exit.
- Network connection is required to the installation of Windows 11.
- Select the drive that contains the operating system installation program, such as USB HDD. Then, press Esc.
- Press F10 to save the setting and exit.
After you change the startup sequence, ensure that you select the correct device during a copy, save, or format operation. If you select the wrong device, the data on that device might be erased or overwritten.
If the system cannot boot from the selected drive, disable Secure Boot and try again. Ensure that you re-enable the feature after the operating system installation is complete.
Install device drivers
You should download the latest driver for a component when you notice poor performance from that component or when you added a component. This action might eliminate the driver as the potential cause of a problem. Download and install the latest driver by one of the following methods:
- Open the Vantage app to check the available update packages. Select the update packages you want, and then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the packages.
- Go to https://pcsupport.lenovo.com and select the entry for your computer. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install necessary drivers and software.
- Apply Windows Update to get the latest updates, such as the security patches. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the necessary updates.
Recover your Windows operating system
When you encounter some unexpected issues with your operating system, you can choose to recover your operating system by yourself or call Lenovo Customer Support Center.
Microsoft constantly makes updates to the Windows operating system. Before installing a particular Windows version, check the compatibility list for the Windows version. For details, go to https://support.lenovo.com/solutions/ht512575.
The following table lists these options and the recommended scenarios for each option.
| Option | Recommended scenario |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Connected System Recovery (for selected models) | You want to recover your Windows operating system from Cloud. |
| Lenovo recovery option | You want to recover your Windows operating system from the Lenovo Support Web site. |
Microsoft Connected System Recovery (for selected models)
This feature enables you to remove all user files on your computer and restore the Windows operating system from Cloud (Connected System Recovery). Before using this feature, read the following information.
- This feature will restore your Windows operating system to factory defaults. Do not use this feature if a customized operating system is installed on your computer, otherwise the customized functions or applications cannot be restored.
- This feature only works with wired network (connected via the Ethernet connector on your computer) and wireless network (WPA2 personal only).
Restore the Windows operating system from Cloud
Follow the instructions to restore the Windows operating system.
Lenovo recovery option
The following table lists Lenovo recovery options and recommended scenarios for each option.
| To recover your operating system to... | See... |
|---|---|
| Factory defaults | Refer to the instructions in https://support.lenovo.com/HowToCreateLenovoRecovery |
| A previous system point | Refer to the instructions in Popular Topics: https://support.lenovo.com/solutions/ht118590 |
Reset system to factory defaults
This feature enables you to reset the UEFI BIOS to the factory default settings, including all UEFI BIOS settings and internal system data. It helps you wipe user data in case that you want to dispose of or reuse your computer.
- Deactivate the Absolute Persistence Module.
- Remove the NVMe password if your have set one.
If the Intel AMT control and Absolute Persistence(R) Module are permanently disabled, these settings cannot be reset successfully.
Your computer will restart immediately. It takes a few minutes to complete the initialization process. Your computer screen might be blank during this process. This is normal and you should not interrupt it.