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.
- 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.
Installation procedures
- Connect the drive that contains the operating system installation program to the computer. To create the installation media, refer to https://support.microsoft.com/windows.
- Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 to enter the UEFI BIOS menu.
- Select Startup ➙ Boot to open the Boot Priority Order submenu.
- Change the startup sequence:
- 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.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the device drivers and necessary programs.
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.
This feature enables you to remove all user files on your computer and restore the Windows operating system from Cloud (Microsoft® Connected System Recovery). Before using this feature, read the following information.
- This feature will restore your computer to the Windows operating system preinstalled at the factory. 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).
Do the following to restore the Windows operating system:
- Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 to enter the UEFI BIOS menu.
- Select Config ➙ Reinstall Windows from Cloud. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable this feature.
- Press F10 to save changes and exit.
- The computer will restart automatically. When the logo screen is displayed, press F12.
- Select App Menu ➙ Reinstall Windows from Cloud, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
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.