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This post explores how to reset a Lenovo laptop. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparation and methods to troubleshooting, ensuring you have the knowledge to confidently hit the reset button when needed.

Preparing For Factory Reset

Let’s quickly review the preparatory steps before resetting your Lenovo laptop to ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.

#1 Backup essential data

Start by backing up all your critical data. This should include documents, photos, videos, and any other files you want to keep. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both.

#2 Charging and power source

Ensure your laptop has a reliable power source. A factory reset can take some time, and you don’t want your laptop to run out of battery. Plug it into a power outlet or use a fully charged battery.

#3 External devices and peripherals

Last but not least, disconnect any external devices and peripherals like USB drives, printers, or external monitors. These peripheral devices can interfere with the reset process, so it’s best to remove them for now.

How to Reset Lenovo Laptop Using Windows Settings

One of the most straightforward methods to factory reset your Lenovo laptop is using the built-in Windows Settings. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step #1: Access Windows settings

To access your Lenovo’s Windows OS settings, click the Start button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then select “Settings,” represented by a gear-shaped icon.

Step #2: Access update & security

In the Windows Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”

Step #3: Choose recovery options

In the Update & Security menu, select “Recovery” from the left-hand sidebar.

Step #4: Start the reset process

Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the “Get started” button.

Step #5: Choose the reset option

In the next window, Windows will present you with two options:

• “Keep my files” retains your personal files but removes apps and settings.
• “Remove everything” – This option erases everything, including personal files. Use this if you want a complete reset.

Step #6: Confirm and reset

Follow the on-screen instructions, confirm your choice, and let the laptop do the rest. This process may take some time, so be patient.

Step #7: Post-reset setup

After the reset, follow the setup wizard to configure your laptop as if it were new. You’ll need to reinstall applications and restore your files from backups.

Using the Windows Settings method is ideal when you want to retain your files and only refresh the system settings and apps. 

If you require a more thorough reset, consider other methods like Lenovo OneKey Recovery or a recovery USB drive, which we’ll discuss next.

How to Reset Lenovo Laptop Using Lenovo OneKey Recovery

Lenovo laptops usually come equipped with a special “OneKey Recovery” tool that simplifies the factory reset process. 

Here’s how to use it:

Step #1: Access OneKey Recovery

Start by turning off your Lenovo laptop completely. Turn it back on, and repeatedly press the “Novo” button during the startup process. The Novo button placement varies depending on your laptop model. Still, it’s often found near the power button or on the side of the laptop. 

If you’re having trouble locating this button, consult the laptop’s user manual or check online for the button placement on your laptop model.

Step #2: Navigate to system recovery

Subsequently, you’ll be presented with the Novo Button Menu. Use the arrow keys to select “System Recovery” and press Enter.

Step #3: Choose the reset option

The system recovery menu will present you with two options;

• “Restore from initial backup” – This option restores your laptop to its state when you first purchased it.
• “Restore from user’s backup” – If you’ve previously created a backup using OneKey Recovery, you can choose this option to restore from that backup.

Step #4: Confirm and reset

Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your choice and start the reset process. This may take some time, and your laptop will restart during the process.

Step #5: Post-reset setup

After the reset, go through the initial setup like when you first got your laptop. This includes configuring your language, time zone, and user account.

Lenovo’s OneKey Recovery is a reliable method for factory resetting your laptop, especially if you want to restore it to its original out-of-the-box state. 

Remember to back up important files beforehand, as this method erases everything on your laptop.

How to Reset Lenovo Laptop Using Recovery USB Drive

Suppose you want to factory reset your Lenovo laptop, but the operating system is inaccessible, or the previous methods are not working; using a recovery USB drive is your best bet.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Create a recovery USB drive

You’ll need a USB drive with enough storage capacity (usually 8GB or more) and access to another computer to create a recovery USB drive.

On another Windows PC, search for “Create a recovery drive” in the Windows search bar. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a recovery USB drive. This will copy the system files needed for the reset onto the USB drive.

Step #2: Insert the recovery USB drive

Insert the recovery USB drive into a USB port on your Lenovo laptop.

Step #3: Boot from the USB drive

After inserting the recovery USB drive, turn off your laptop.

Once completely off, turn it back on and repeatedly press the appropriate Boot Menu key (often F2, F12, or the Novo button) to enter the BIOS or Boot Menu.

Set the USB drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS or Boot Menu.

Step #4: Begin the factory reset

Save your changes in the BIOS and exit. Your laptop should now boot from the USB drive. It’ll automatically load the Windows OS setup from the recovery USB.

Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the factory reset. You may need to select your language and keyboard layout.

Step #5: Choose the reset option

Similar to the Windows Settings method, you’ll typically have two options:

• “Keep my files” retains personal files but removes apps and settings.
• “Remove everything” – This option erases everything, including personal files.

Step #6: Confirm and reset

Confirm your choice and the reset process will begin. Keep in mind that your laptop will restart multiple times during this process; it’s normal.

Step #7: Post-reset setup

After the reset, follow the initial setup wizard to configure your laptop as if it were new. Reinstall applications and restore files from backups as needed.

Using a recovery USB drive is a powerful method when you’ve forgotten your password or encounter issues preventing you from accessing the Windows environment. 

That said, having a backup of your important files is crucial since this method wipes your laptop clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Factory resetting a Lenovo laptop can be a helpful way to resolve problems, such as a corrupted operating system or a virus infection. However, it is important to back up your important files before you do a factory reset, as the process will erase all of your data. If you encounter any problems during the factory reset process, you can contact Lenovo support or an authorized computer repair company around you.