Lenovo BIOS and USB Boot Guide | Generated by AI
Question: In a Lenovo 2011 laptop, what is the typical command/key to enter BIOS, and how to choose a bootable USB disk with Linux Mint?
Answer:
For Lenovo laptops from around 2011, the keys depend on whether it’s a ThinkPad series or an IdeaPad / consumer series model. Here are the most common options:
1. Entering BIOS Setup
-
Most common for ThinkPad models (very typical for 2010–2012 business laptops like T410, T420, X220, L420, etc.):
Power off the laptop completely.
Press the power button → immediately and repeatedly tap F1 (or sometimes Fn + F1).
→ This almost always enters the BIOS Setup Utility on 2011-era ThinkPads. -
Most common for IdeaPad / consumer models (G560, Z570, Y560, etc.):
Power off → press power button → immediately and repeatedly tap F2 (or Fn + F2).
Some older IdeaPad models may show “Press F2 to Setup” briefly on screen. -
Fallback / alternative methods (try if the above fail):
- Repeatedly tap Enter during power-on (some ThinkPads show “Startup Interrupt Menu” → then press F1 for BIOS).
- Repeatedly tap Esc right after power-on (rare, but works on some models).
Tip: Watch the screen carefully during boot — many Lenovo laptops briefly display “Press [key] to enter Setup” (usually F1 or F2).
2. Booting from USB (Linux Mint)
There are two main ways:
Way A — Use the one-time Boot Menu (recommended and easiest)
- Insert your Linux Mint USB (properly created, e.g., with Rufus or dd).
- Power on the laptop and immediately start tapping one of these keys:
- F12 — most common boot menu key on Lenovo laptops (both ThinkPad and IdeaPad) around 2011
- F10 or Fn + F10 — works on some models
- Esc — occasional alternative
- When the Boot Menu appears, select the USB device (it may say “USB HDD”, “UEFI: USB”, “Kingston”, etc.).
Press Enter → it should start booting Linux Mint.
Way B — Change boot order permanently in BIOS
- Enter BIOS (F1 or F2 as above).
- Go to the Startup or Boot tab (use arrow keys).
- Find the boot priority / boot order list.
- Move the USB device (often listed as “USB HDD”, “Removable Device”, or the brand name) to the top using + / – keys or F5 / F6.
- If you see UEFI/Legacy Boot or Boot Mode, set it to Legacy (or “Both”/”CSM”) — most 2011 Lenovo laptops work better with Legacy/CSM mode for Linux Mint USBs.
- Press F10 → Yes to Save and Exit.
After saving, the laptop should boot from the USB automatically on the next restart.
Quick summary for 2011 Lenovo laptop
- BIOS → try F1 first (ThinkPad style), then F2
- Boot from USB → tap F12 at startup for the boot menu (fastest way)
References:
- https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500222-recommended-ways-to-enter-bios-boot-menu-thinkpad-thinkcentre-thinkstation
- https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500216-recommended-way-to-enter-bios-ideapad
- https://www.wikihow.com/Enter-the-BIOS-on-a-Lenovo-Laptop