How-to Guide: Make Lenovo Boot from USB in Windows 10/11

The case: Lenovo computer won't boot from USB

Lenovo is a major force in business laptops and desktops. It is popular for high computing performance, agile design, and good quality. However, even with highly configured computers, you may encounter system errors after a major operation. That's why it's recommended to backup Lenovo laptop regularly, and make a bootable USB just in case.

But sometimes, you may also find the bootable USB doesn't work. Why is this, and how to make Lenovo boot from USB drive properly? Check out the following content to learn more about the reasons why it won't boot and how to make it work.

Why can’t Lenovo boot from USB in Windows 10/11

Lenovo laptops may face difficulties booting from USB in Windows 10/11 due to various reasons. After research, it is found that there are 2 main reasons for this problem.

• Your computer may be affected by the Lenovo Service Engine (LSE).

• Users didn’t make a bootable USB drive correctly.

Except for the two main reasons, other common causes include incorrect BIOS settings, corrupted bootable USB drives, or compatibility issues with the USB port. Troubleshooting steps involve checking and adjusting the BIOS settings to prioritize USB boot, verifying the integrity of the bootable USB drive, and trying different USB ports to ensure compatibility. 

If you are in the two cases, how do you make your Lenovo boot from USB? There are two efficient solutions for your reference. 

Solution 1. Remove Lenovo Service Engine

Removing the Lenovo Service Engine can sometimes resolve boot issues. This can be done by uninstalling the software from the Control Panel on your Lenovo laptop. Here's how:

Step 1. Click on the Start button.

Step 2. Select Settings from the left side. Click System.

Step 3. Select About from the left list and note your System Type.

Step 4. Browse to the Lenovo Security Advisory.

Step 5. Click Date. Scroll down to find the Lenovo LSE Windows Disabler Tool.

Step 6. Click the download icon next to your Windows version.

Step 7. After downloading, open the program. It will help you remove LSE.

Solution 2. Create a bootable media correctly

If you want your Lenovo laptop to boot from USB in Windows 10, you must make sure to prepare a bootable USB drive.

Generally speaking, you can create a installation USB with the MediaCreationTool provided by Microsoft, and boot from it to install a clean copy of Windows 10. Or you can create a recovery drive on USB with Windows built-in tool, and boot from it for reinstallation or troubleshooting. 

Learn detailed steps with screenshots here: create a Windows 10 bootable USB.

Create a Lenovo recovery USB in Windows 10/11 with the best freeware

To boot Lenovo from USB, third-party software like AOMEI Backupper Standard could be an easier choice. It can create a bootable USB flash drive to help you boot a PC in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP. And the intuitive interface makes your operation effortless.

By using it, you are also allowed to backup and restore the system. If your computer refuses to boot, you can restore the operating system to its last working state. Other practical features like disk/partition/file backup and file sync are also waiting to be discovered. Now, you can create a Lenovo recovery USB correctly with this freeware. Here are detailed steps as below.

Preparations to make Lenovo boot from USB

To boot your Lenovo laptop from a USB drive, you must first ensure the USB contains a bootable operating system. This involves creating a bootable USB with the necessary files and then configuring your laptop's BIOS settings to prioritize booting from the USB drive. Other than the software to create a bootable USB, it would be best if you still made some preparations:

1. Format USB Drive to FAT32: Format the USB drive containing the bootable files to the FAT32 file system. This ensures compatibility with Lenovo's boot process.
2. Use a Valid Bootable USB: Ensure that the USB drive contains a valid bootable image or installation media for the operating system you want to install. You can download the Windows 10 ISO from the official website.
3. Disable Secure Boot: If your Lenovo laptop has Secure Boot enabled, try disabling it temporarily in the BIOS settings to see if it allows booting from the USB drive.

Once you've completed the preparations mentioned above, continue reading to learn how to make a Lenovo boot from USB. We offer several detailed solutions tailored to various user requirements, ensuring you can successfully boot Lenovo computers from USB with ease.

Step-by-step to make a bootable USB for Lenovo and boot from it

To boot the Lenovo computer, you need to find a well-functioning computer to create a bootable USB first. Before you start, don't forget to check the validity of the USB.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch this software on a well-functioning computer. Select Tools from the left side. Then click Create Bootable Media.

Step 2. Select one Bootable Disc Type. It's recommended to select Windows PE, because this option can offer you more operations than Linux. Then click Next.

Step 3. Select USB Boot Device. Then click Next.

Step 4. Now insert the bootable USB to the Lenovo computer, press a certain key (refer to the PC's manual or website) to enter BIOS, choose the bootable USB drive and press Enter to make Lenovo boot from USB.

✎Tips:

• You can restore the operating system through the bootable USB. If you want to do a system restore later, you must prepare a system backup in advance.

• OneKey Recovery works well when you need to create a bootable partition directly on the hard disk.

• Do not remove your USB while creating a bootable USB.

FAQs about Lenovo boot from USB

1. Can I boot from USB in UEFI mode?

Yes, it's possible. Start by ensuring your device is powered off. Then, insert the bootable USB drive into the device you want to boot. Power on your device and access the UEFI menu to select the USB drive as the boot option. Your device should then boot into the Factory OS.

2. What is UEFI boot mode?

UEFI, or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, is a modern standard replacing the older BIOS. UEFI offers several advantages, including faster boot times, enhanced security features, support for larger disks, and a user-friendly graphical interface. In contrast, Legacy BIOS operates on a 16-bit code with limited options.

3. What happens if I switch boot mode from UEFI to legacy?

When transitioning between Legacy BIOS Boot Mode and UEFI BIOS Boot Mode, BIOS settings affecting the Boot Options Priority list will be modified. Changing the boot mode also alters the available boot candidates from the previous mode, which may affect the boot process.

4. What is the boot key for Lenovo laptops and computers?

The BIOS key varies depending on the device model. Typically, you need to press either F1 or F2 to enter the BIOS. Press the key multiple times continuously to ensure access. Some Lenovo devices also offer the Novo button as an alternative method to enter the BIOS. Additionally, for devices with a Boot Menu, you can usually access it by pressing F12.

Summary

It is not hard to create a bootable USB drive, isn’t it? You can make your Lenovo boot from USB in Windows 10 easily with AOMEI Backupper Standard. If your HP laptop not booting from USB, this freeware can also give you a hand. In addition, it serves you well when you find Windows won't boot from CD.

If you want to protect unlimited computers within your company, you can pick AOMEI Backupper Technician. With the inbuilt AOMEI Image Deploy tool, you are also allowed to deploy/restore system image files on the server-side computers to multiple client-side computers over the network.