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15 August 2025  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
Last update by Emma Johnson at 16 August 2025

Summary
Learn how to factory reset Lenovo laptop without Novo button using step-by-step methods that suit beginner users. Restore your computer hassle-free, even if you're locked out or facing hardware issues. Quick, reliable, and user-friendly solutions.



Table of contents

table iconWhy no Novo Button
table iconMethods to Factory Reset Lenovo Laptop without Novo Button
table iconHow to Reset Lenovo Laptop Password
table iconFAQs
table iconConclusion
If you’re staring at your Lenovo laptop, frustrated because the Novo button isn’t there or just won’t cooperate, you’re not alone—many users run into this snag when trying to wipe the slate clean. Whether you’re dealing with a sluggish system bogged down by glitches, prepping your laptop for resale, or locked out due to a forgotten password, this guide is tailored just for you. We’ve got step-by-step methods to factory reset your Lenovo laptop without relying on the Novo button, ensuring you can restore it to its original state without hassle. Plus, we’ll cover ways to handle password issues without losing everything. Let’s dive in and get your laptop running like new.
How to Factory Reset Your Lenovo Laptop without novo button

Why no Novo Button

First off, understanding why the Novo button might be out of the picture can help you feel less stuck. Common reasons include :
* Hardware damage or wear causing the button not to respond.
laptop button damaged
* Some Lenovo models (e.g., various ThinkPad lines) were designed without a Novo button.
* System issues (e.g., System partition is corrupted) may prevent the Novo menu from appearing.
* Power issues (no AC/battery) can stop the system from powering into the menu.
Beyond just explaining why the Novo button might fail you, this guide also provides practical alternatives for when a factory reset prompts for an administrator password that you don’t have or can’t remember.
We’ll highlight methods that let you reset without needing that password upfront, and importantly, these approaches won’t mess with your operating system in a way that affects resale value—they keep the core OS intact while allowing a clean reset.

Methods to Factory Reset Lenovo Laptop without Novo Button

These methods focus on reliable ways to achieve a factory reset without the Novo button, catering to different scenarios like when your laptop is still bootable or completely unresponsive.

Method 1: Factory Reset Your Lenovo Laptop without Novo Button through Windows Settings (can login)

If your Lenovo laptop is still up and running enough for you to log into Windows, going through the Settings menu is the most straightforward path. This approach works great for fixing ongoing software problems or getting your device ready for someone else, all without any extra gadgets.
Here’s how to factory reset your Lenovo laptop without the Novo button using Windows Settings:
1. Click the Start Menu (that’s the Windows icon) down in the bottom-left corner.
2. Pick Settings (look for the gear icon).
Windows 11 settings
3. Go to Settings > System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10).
4. In the “Recovery options” section, hit Reset this PC and decide between:
Keep my files: This keeps your personal stuff but ditches apps and settings.
Remove everything: This clears out all data, apps, and settings for a full fresh start.
Remove everything in Windows 10
5. Just follow the instructions on the screen to wrap it up.
This option shines when your laptop is mostly functional, offering a fast and painless way to bring it back to factory conditions.
If you can’t boot into Windows, you can still access recovery via firmware settings (BIOS/UEFI) or external installation media.

Method 2: Factory Reset Your Lenovo Laptop without the Novo Button Using BIOS

If your laptop won’t boot normally or you’re locked out of Windows, accessing recovery options through the BIOS can be a lifesaver. This method is particularly handy when the system feels completely inaccessible.
Follow these steps to factory reset your Lenovo laptop without using the Novo button:
1. Power off your laptop completely.
lenovo laptop shut down: Turn the laptop completely off.
2. Press the power button, then immediately tap F1 (ThinkPad) or F2 (IdeaPad). On some models, Del or Esc may apply; check on-screen prompts.
If you see “To interrupt normal startup, press Enter” press Enter, then follow the on‑screen keys.
3. In the BIOS menu, navigate to the Startup tab.
lenovo laptop In the BIOS menu, navigate to the startup tab.
4. Set Windows Boot Manager as the first boot option.
5. Open recovery: As soon as the logo appears, try the recovery keys.
F11: On supported models, F11 opens Lenovo/Windows Recovery. On some ThinkPads, press Enter first, then F11 from the interrupt menu.
If F11 does nothing:

* Use F12 Boot Menu and pick any entry labeled “Windows Boot Manager (Recovery)” if it exists.

* Or force WinRE: power on, interrupt boot during the spinning dots three times (power off each time) to trigger “Preparing Automatic Repair,” which leads to WinRE.

Since Windows 8, using F8 or Shift + F8 to access the Advanced Boot Menu rarely works due to the fast startup process. In most cases, you’ll need to reach the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or use a bootable USB drive.
6. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
Note: If pressing F11 doesn’t launch the recovery tools, use a bootable Windows USB drive to access the recovery environment instead.
If working in the BIOS feels too technical, you can try easier methods, such as using built‑in Windows shortcuts or official installation media.
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Method 3: Factory Reset Your Lenovo Laptop without Novo Button with Shift + Restart

Another effective way to access recovery tools without the Novo button is by using a simple keyboard shortcut that works on Windows 10 or 11. Pressing and holding the Shift key while clicking Restart guides you straight into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This is handy for situations where you can reach the login screen but can’t get past it, or when the system is partially responsive.
Here’s how to do it:
1. From the login screen or if you’re already in Windows, go to the power options.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
3. While holding Shift, click Restart.
Windows, shift + restart
4. The system will reboot into the advanced startup options.
5. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
select troubleshoot in windows safe mode
6. Choose your reset option—keep files or remove everything—and follow the on-screen steps.
This method bypasses many common barriers and gets you into WinRE quickly, making it a go-to for mid-level issues.
Building on that, if your laptop won’t even get to the point where Shift + Restart is possible, turning to external media can provide the lifeline you need.
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Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

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Method 4: Factory Reset Your Lenovo Laptop without Novo Button Using a Windows 11 Installation Disk

For cases where the built-in recovery fails or the system won’t start at all, using a Windows 11 installation disk (or a USB installation media) allows you to enter the recovery environment externally. This involves setting up the boot priority in BIOS to the media, then selecting “Repair your computer” after startup. It’s perfect for severe boot problems but does require creating the media ahead of time on another working computer.
Here’s the process:
1. Create a Windows 11 installation USB or disk on another PC using Microsoft’s media creation tool.
Please download the Windows Installation Media creator from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 to make a Windows 11 Installation USB.
2. Insert the media into your locked Lenovo laptop.
3. Restart and enter BIOS (usually by pressing F2 or DEL).
4. Set the boot order to prioritize the USB or disk.
5. Save and exit; the system will boot from the media.
6. On the installation screen, choose Repair your computer instead of installing.
windows installation repair your computer
7. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and proceed with the options.
reset computer
This ensures access to WinRE, including reset features and system restore, even in tough scenarios.

How to Reset Lenovo Laptop Password

Sometimes, during a factory reset attempt, you hit a wall needing to input an account password that you’ve forgotten or don’t have.
enter password for the account
In those cases, instead of risking data loss with a full wipe, you can use Renee PassNow to reset the password directly. This serves as a helpful supplement to the reset methods above, allowing you to regain access without affecting the OS or devaluing the laptop for resale—it’s all about targeted recovery.
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Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. UEFI boot.

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If you’re locked out of your Lenovo laptop due to a forgotten password, you don’t always need to resort to a factory reset. A tool like Renee PassNow can help you reset your password without losing data, making it an excellent solution for regaining access to your system. This professional Windows recovery tool supports all Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and works seamlessly with both local and Microsoft accounts.
Before jumping into the reset process, it’s a smart move to back up any important files to avoid losing them forever. Tools like Renee PassNow come in handy here with its Data Transfer feature, which lets you safely move data between drives or partitions even if your system is acting up. Once that’s done, you can proceed with confidence.
Data transfer function of Renee Passnow
Renee PassNow simplifies the process of resetting or removing login passwords without requiring prior password hints. It also offers additional features like secure data transfer between drives or partitions, disk erasure, and file preview, ensuring you can manage your data effectively even if your system fails to boot.
Note: If you’re using a Microsoft account, Renee PassNow will convert it to a local account during the reset process. You’ll need to reconnect it to your Microsoft account afterward.
Here’s how to reset your Lenovo laptop password without the Novo button using Renee PassNow:
1. Download and Install Renee PassNow
On an accessible computer, download Renee PassNow from the official website and install it. Choose the version compatible with your computer’s operating system.
2. Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD. Select the option to create bootable media and follow the on-screen instructions to prepare it.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
3. Boot the Locked Lenovo Laptop from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into your locked Lenovo laptop.
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD.
Restart the laptop and enter the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (typically F2 or DEL for Lenovo models). Adjust the boot order to prioritize the USB or CD/DVD.
Common Lenovo Boot Menu Keys:
Device TypeEnter Boot Menu Method

Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)

F2 or Fn + F2

Lenovo (Desktops)

F1

Lenovo (ThinkPads)

Enter then F1

4. Select Password Reset Function
Once the laptop boots from the media, Renee PassNow will load. Select the “PassNow!” function from the main interface.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
5. Reset the Password
Choose the user account you want to reset. Click the “Clear Password” button to remove or reset the password for the selected account.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
7. Reboot the Laptop
After resetting the password, remove the bootable media and restart your Lenovo laptop. You can now log in without a password or set a new one.
Tip: If you reset a Microsoft account, reconnect it to your Microsoft account after logging in to restore full functionality.
This method saves your data while restoring access to your laptop, making it a preferred choice for users who want to avoid a full factory reset when locked out.
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Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the Lenovo Novo Button and Where is it Located?

The Novo button is a small pinhole or button on some Lenovo laptops that launches the recovery menu. It’s typically found near the power button, on the side, or close to the USB ports. If your laptop lacks this button, you can still reset it using the methods above.
press lenovo novo key to factory reset the laptop

Q2: Do F11 or F12 Trigger a Factory Reset?

Neither F11 nor F12 directly starts a factory reset. F11 may access the recovery menu on some Lenovo laptops, while F12 typically opens the boot menu. To factory reset, you’ll need to navigate to the recovery options as outlined in the methods above.

Q3: Do I Need to Keep Windows During the Reset, or Should I Wipe Everything?

Most users looking to factory reset want to erase all personal content, apps, and settings to start fresh, but they typically don’t want to remove Windows itself—the process reinstalls or retains the OS in its original form. If you’re troubleshooting or selling, opting for “Remove everything” ensures a thorough clean, but always back up files first if possible.

Q4: Will Using a Windows 11 Installation Disk Allow Access to the Recovery Environment?

Absolutely—booting from a Windows 11 installation disk or USB lets you select “Repair your computer” to enter WinRE. This is ideal for when internal recovery options fail, giving you tools to reset the PC or restore the system, though you’ll need to prepare the media on another device beforehand.

Q5: What If I Want to Avoid Losing Data but Still Need to Reset Due to Performance Issues?

If data preservation is key, consider methods like “Keep my files” in the Windows Settings reset, or use tools like Renee PassNow for transfers before wiping. This way, you address slowdowns or glitches without a total loss, aligning with needs like cleaning up for daily use rather than a full erase for selling.

Conclusion

Restoring your Lenovo laptop to factory settings doesn’t have to hinge on a finicky Novo button. With options like Windows Settings, BIOS access, Shift + Restart, or installation media, plus password reset tools like Renee PassNow, you’ve got everything needed to tackle software woes, password lockouts, or prep for a new owner. Pick the approach that matches your setup, and you’ll have your device humming along smoothly in no time.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

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