How To Enter BIOS On Lenovo Laptop | F2 Or Novo

A missed Lenovo logo means another restart, so knowing how to enter BIOS on Lenovo laptop comes down to timing and model family. Most IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, and Lenovo-branded laptops use F2 or Fn + F2. ThinkPad models usually use F1. If Windows boots before the key works, Windows 11 and Windows 10 can restart straight into UEFI firmware settings.

Use the keyboard method first when the laptop is fully off. Use the Novo button when your model has one. Use the Windows method when the machine boots too fast, the keyboard is slow to wake, or the function-key row is set to media controls.

Use The Right Lenovo BIOS Key First

Lenovo laptops do not all use the same BIOS key. The fastest attempt is F2 or Fn + F2 on most consumer Lenovo laptops, and F1 on ThinkPad laptops.

1. Shut down the laptop fully. Do not use Sleep.
2. Press the Power button.
3. As soon as the Lenovo or ThinkPad logo appears, tap the BIOS key repeatedly.
4. Use F2 first on IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, and many Lenovo-branded laptops.
5. Use Fn + F2 if F2 changes brightness, volume, or another media feature.
6. Use F1 on ThinkPad models.

The BIOS setup screen opens instead of Windows when the timing is right. If Windows starts loading, restart and begin tapping the key earlier.

Entering BIOS On A Lenovo Laptop: Methods That Fit The Model

Lenovo gives you several BIOS entry methods because the correct one depends on the laptop series, keyboard behavior, and whether Windows still boots. The table below matches the method to the situation.

How Do You Enter Lenovo BIOS From Windows 11 Or 10?

Windows can restart a Lenovo laptop directly into UEFI firmware settings when the startup-logo timing is too tight. This method works only when the laptop uses UEFI firmware and Windows can still boot.

For Windows 11, use this sequence:

1. Open Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Recovery.
5. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
6. Choose Troubleshoot.
7. Choose Advanced options.
8. Choose UEFI Firmware Settings.
9. Select Restart.

For Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then select Restart now under Advanced startup. After the blue recovery menu appears, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. Lenovo’s recommended BIOS entry steps list the same function-key, Novo button, and Windows recovery methods for current Windows systems.

The laptop restarts into the firmware screen instead of the Windows sign-in screen. If UEFI Firmware Settings is not listed, use F2, Fn + F2, F1, or the Novo button.

Use The Novo Button When Function Keys Miss

The Novo button is a small Lenovo recovery button that can open a startup menu before Windows loads. On many models, it appears as a small button or pinhole near the power button, on the laptop side, or beside a charging port.

To use it:

1. Shut down the Lenovo laptop fully.
2. Find the Novo button. If it is a pinhole, press it gently with a straightened paper clip.
3. Wait for the Novo Button Menu.
4. Select BIOS Setup.

The laptop enters BIOS after you choose BIOS Setup. If you only need to boot from a USB drive, choose Boot Menu instead of changing BIOS settings.

Check The Model When The Usual Key Fails

The model name tells you whether the laptop is closer to the ThinkPad family or the consumer Lenovo family. A ThinkPad-branded Yoga usually follows ThinkPad behavior, while a Lenovo Yoga usually follows the F2 pattern.

Look for the model name on the bottom cover, original box, Lenovo Vantage, or Settings > System > About. If the label is faded or the model family is unclear, checking the Lenovo model name first can prevent wasted restarts with the wrong key.

• Use F1 when the machine is a ThinkPad.
• Use F2 when the machine is an IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, or non-ThinkPad Lenovo laptop.
• Use Fn + F2 when the top row controls volume, brightness, or airplane mode.
• Use the Novo button when the keyboard method keeps missing.

Fix The BIOS Entry Problem By Symptom

BIOS entry failures usually come from timing, the wrong function key, hotkey mode, or Windows fast startup behavior. Match the symptom to the next move instead of repeating the same restart.

BIOS Entry Moves Worth Trying In Sequence

The shortest way to get into Lenovo BIOS is to start with the model-family key, then move to Novo, then use Windows recovery if the laptop still boots normally. Changing random firmware settings is not needed just to enter BIOS.

1. Shut down the laptop fully.
2. Try F2 on IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, and most Lenovo-branded laptops.
3. Try Fn + F2 if the function row is acting like media controls.
4. Try F1 if the laptop is a ThinkPad.
5. Try the Novo button and choose BIOS Setup.
6. Use Windows 11 or Windows 10 Advanced startup when Windows still opens but the logo timing is too short.
7. After BIOS opens, change only the setting you came for, then use the BIOS save-and-exit option if you made a change.

For a boot-from-USB task, the Boot Menu may be enough. For Secure Boot, virtualization, boot order, or firmware version checks, open the full BIOS setup screen.

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