Lenovo Boot Menu Fix Guide

Lenovo Boot Menu Fix Guide | Generated by AI

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Question: Spam Fn + F12 (or F12) at the Lenovo logo to open the boot menu, but F2 doesn’t work?

Answer:

Yes, Fn + F12 (or just F12 on some models) is the correct and most reliable key for opening the one-time boot menu on Lenovo XiaoXin laptops (and most IdeaPad series). Spam it repeatedly right as the Lenovo logo appears during power-on or restart — timing is key, start pressing before the logo fully shows up.

F2 (or Fn + F2) is typically for entering the full BIOS/UEFI setup menu, not the boot menu. If F2 isn’t responding, here are the common reasons and fixes:

Why F2 Might Not Work

Fast Startup in Windows is enabled (default on Win10/11): This causes “hybrid shutdown” instead of full shutdown, so the firmware skips hotkey detection.
HotKey Mode in BIOS is set in a way that requires Fn for function keys (or vice versa).
Timing issue: You need to press it very early and repeatedly.
Some XiaoXin models (e.g., certain 15ARE variants) have known quirks where Windows installers or updates disable F2/F12 hotkeys temporarily.
Rarely, keyboard/firmware glitch.

How to Fix and Access BIOS (If You Need It for Secure Boot/CSM Changes)

Disable Fast Startup in Windows (most common fix):
- Boot into Windows normally.
- Go to Settings → System → Power & sleep → Additional power settings → Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable” (admin prompt).
- Uncheck “Turn on fast startup” → Save changes.
- Shut down completely (not restart).
- Now power on and spam F2 or Fn + F2 at the logo — it should enter BIOS much more reliably.
Full shutdown trick:
- From Windows login screen: Hold Shift key → click Power → Shut down.
- This forces a complete power-off.
- Then power on and spam F2 / Fn + F2.
Novo Button (if your XiaoXin has one):
- Many XiaoXin/IdeaPad models have a small pinhole “Novo” button (usually on the side, near power or charging port — looks like a curved arrow).
- Power off → use a paperclip/SIM tool to press and hold the Novo button → laptop powers on into a special menu.
- Choose BIOS Setup or Boot Menu from there.
- This bypasses keyboard hotkeys entirely and works even if F2/F12 are glitchy.
Other Tips for Boot Menu (Fn + F12):
- If just F12 alone doesn’t work, always try Fn + F12.
- Some models need Fn lock toggled (usually Fn + Esc to toggle).
- Try a different USB port for your Ubuntu drive — some ports detect better.
- If the boot menu appears but USB options are missing, confirm BIOS changes (Secure Boot off, Boot Mode = Both/UEFI+Legacy) were saved.

Once in BIOS (via any method), make the changes we discussed earlier (disable Secure Boot, set Boot Mode to Both), save/exit (F10 usually), then restart and spam Fn + F12 to pick the second/lite Ubuntu entry.

If none of this works after trying the Fast Startup disable + full shutdown, your model might need a BIOS update from Lenovo’s site (search your exact XiaoXin model number on their Chinese/global support page).

References:

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