How To Reinstall Windows 10 On A Lenovo Laptop
Updated 26/10/21 Added video guide
Rarely, Windows might need a clean install. We’ve uploaded a few steps on how you could clean install Windows. This guide is specific to Lenovo laptops. Alternatively, we have a video version of the guide below
We also have guides for HP and Dell laptops.
Part 1: Download what you’ll need.
Part 2: Backup all your data.
Clean installing Windows 10, will wipe all your data - so make sure the data you’ll need is backed-up fully externally.
Part 3: Check AC Charger, Soft Power Reset, Reset BIOS to default
Part 4: Configuring BIOS
Legacy vs UEFI
There are two options for configuring the BIOS that you should decide for your system: Legacy, and UEFI. As a general rule, Legacy is for older hardware and UEFI is for newer hardware. Newer hardware may only run in UEFI mode, so if Legacy does not work for installing Windows on your system, install UEFI (additionally if you plan to upgrade to Windows 11, it will require UEFI, so make sure not to use Legacy in this case).
Legacy tends to be more stable, so (especially with older hardware) we recommend using Legacy first if possible, unless UEFI is required.
Step 4A (Setting up in Legacy mode):
Re-enter the BIOS as detailed in Step 3C. Change the following settings in this order
- Security > Secure Boot > Change “Secure Boot” to “Disabled”
- Startup > “UEFI/Legacy Boot” to “Both”
- Startup > “UEFI/Legacy Boot Priority” to “Legacy First”
- Startup > Boot > Ensure that your boot drive is the highest on the list (This is usually the name of your SSD/HDD)
- Restart > “Exit Saving Changes” or Press F10 for Save and Exit.
If all of these options have worked and been set, move on to Step 5. If not, because your laptop is a UEFI system (or your system otherwise won’t boot in Legacy mode), try step 4B.
Step 4B: (Alternatively - Setting up in UEFI mode):
Follow the steps from 3C to enter the BIOS. Change the following settings in this order:
- Startup > “UEFI/Legacy Boot” to “UEFI Only”
- Security > Secure Boot > Change “Secure Boot” to “Enabled” (there will be an additional confirmation box if this is changed from Legacy, accept this as well)
- Startup > Boot > Ensure that your boot drive is the highest on the list (This is usually the name of your SDD/HDD)
- Restart > “Exit Saving Changes” or Press F10 for Save and Exit
Part 5: Install Windows
- Insert the Windows 10 USB you’ve made
- Shutdown your PC, and while restarting it, press Esc until you enter the Startup Menu. Select your Windows 10 USB from this menu
- Follow the onscreen instructions to install Windows 10 (Make sure to delete the files on the drive containing the previous Windows installation)