Lenovo boot menu and BIOS key: IdeaPad F12/F2, ThinkPad F12/F1, Novo button
| Lenovo | Boot menu | BIOS |
|---|---|---|
| IdeaPad (and consumer models) | F12 | F2 or Fn + F2 |
| ThinkPad | F12 | F1 |
The ThinkPad keys come from the ThinkPad Z13/Z16 user guide; for other ThinkPad models, check your manual.
IdeaPad: entering the BIOS
According to Lenovo, turn the computer off and on, then immediately press F2 (or Fn + F2) repeatedly; it may take a few tries. You can also open the boot menu with F12 and enter Setup from there. If startup is too fast, Lenovo recommends entering the BIOS from Windows (UEFI firmware settings).
Novo button
Many IdeaPads have a small Novo button (on some models a tiny pinhole you press with a pin). Pressing the Novo button while the computer is off opens the Novo Boot Menu, where you can choose BIOS Setup. If you cannot catch the keys in time, this is the easiest way. The button's location depends on the model; see Lenovo's Novo page and your manual.
Fn Lock
According to Lenovo's user guides, FnLock is on the Esc key and is toggled with Fn + Esc; the light on Esc shows its state. If F2/F12 change volume or brightness instead, toggle Fn Lock or press the key with Fn.
If the key does not work
- Press the key repeatedly as soon as the logo appears; if the Windows logo shows up, you were too late.
- If pressing the F key changes volume or brightness, press the same key together with Fn (Fn key and Fn Lock).
- The menu may not appear when resuming from sleep or fast startup; shut the computer down fully and start it again.
If setup cannot find the drive, shows "This PC can't run Windows 11" or the USB drive does not start: Windows 11 installation problems. All brands: boot menu and BIOS keys table.