Many people need to reset their Lenovo Yoga laptop to fix problems, make it faster, or get it ready for someone else. A reset can solve issues like your laptop running slow, crashing often, or even if you forget your password. This guide will show you how to do different types of resets safely. We will cover the Lenovo Yoga factory reset, explain the Novo button Lenovo Yoga and OneKey Recovery Lenovo Yoga, show you how to perform a Hard reset Lenovo Yoga, discuss resetting after you Reset Lenovo Yoga forgotten password, look at the Lenovo Yoga recovery partition, explain how to Reset Lenovo Yoga to default settings using Windows tools, touch on Lenovo Yoga system restore, guide you through a Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga, and offer solutions if your Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset.
Resetting your laptop means taking it back to an earlier state. This can be like when you first got it (a factory reset) or just returning Windows settings to how they were before a problem started. The method you choose depends on the issue you are trying to fix.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Before You Start Any Reset
Resetting your Lenovo Yoga laptop can erase all your files and programs. It is very important to prepare before you begin. Taking these steps helps protect your important data and makes the process smoother.
Back Up Your Important Files
Think about everything you have saved on your laptop: pictures, documents, videos, music, and other personal files. A reset, especially a factory reset or a clean install, will remove these things.
-
What to back up:
- Personal documents (Word files, PDFs, spreadsheets)
- Photos and videos
- Music files
- Email backups
- Browser bookmarks
- Game saves
- Any other files you don’t want to lose
-
How to back up:
- External Hard Drive: This is a simple and common way. Just copy and paste your files onto the external drive.
- USB Flash Drive: Good for smaller amounts of data or specific files.
- Cloud Storage: Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or others let you upload files to the internet. You can then get them back on your laptop later.
- Lenovo Software: Some Lenovo models might have their own backup tools. Check your laptop’s specific apps.
Make sure your backup is complete and that you can access the files from the backup location before you start the reset process.
Power and Charging
Make sure your Lenovo Yoga laptop is plugged into a power outlet. Do not rely on battery power alone. Resets can take a long time, and if the laptop runs out of power during the process, it could cause serious problems or damage the system software.
- Plug in the AC adapter.
- Ensure the battery is fully charged or has a high charge level just in case.
Gather Necessary Information and Software
Depending on the type of reset you do, you might need some things later.
- Windows Product Key: Usually, Windows 10 and 11 keys are tied to your Microsoft account or the laptop hardware, so you might not need it. But if you have an older Windows version or installed Windows yourself, you might.
- Software Installers: You will need to reinstall programs like Microsoft Office, photo editors, games, etc. Have the installation files or discs ready.
- Drivers: For a clean install, you might need network drivers so you can get online to download other drivers and updates. You can download these from the Lenovo support website on another computer beforehand.
Taking these steps helps prevent stress and data loss during the reset process. Now, let’s look at the different ways to reset your Lenovo Yoga laptop.
Method 1: Restoring with OneKey Recovery (OKR)
Lenovo laptops often come with a special system called OneKey Recovery (OKR). This is a quick way to perform a Lenovo Yoga factory reset. It uses a hidden section on your hard drive called the Lenovo Yoga recovery partition. This partition holds the original factory settings or a backup you created earlier.
Grasping OneKey Recovery
OneKey Recovery is a tool built into many Lenovo laptops. It’s designed to help you fix serious system problems by returning your laptop to its factory state or a previous backup. It’s often the easiest way to do a full factory reset.
Accessing OneKey Recovery: The Novo Button
You usually access OneKey Recovery using a small button called the Novo button. Finding the Novo button Lenovo Yoga can sometimes be tricky because its location varies.
- Where to find the Novo button: Look for a small, often recessed button or pinhole near the power button, on the side of the laptop, or sometimes even near the hinge or on the bottom. It often has an icon that looks like a backward arrow or a circle with an arrow. Check your specific Lenovo Yoga model’s user manual if you can’t find it.
- How to use the Novo button:
- Turn off your Lenovo Yoga completely.
- Press the Novo button. You might need a paperclip or pin to press it if it’s in a pinhole.
- The laptop will turn on and show the Novo Button Menu.
Navigating the Novo Button Menu
When you press the Novo button, you will see a menu with options.
- Normal Startup: Just starts Windows like usual.
- BIOS Setup: Lets you change system settings (be careful here).
- Boot Menu: Lets you choose which device to start from (like a USB drive).
- System Recovery: This is the option for OneKey Recovery.
Choose “System Recovery” using the arrow keys and press Enter. This will start the OneKey Recovery program.
Steps for OneKey Recovery Lenovo Yoga
Once OneKey Recovery starts, follow the on-screen instructions. The exact steps might look slightly different depending on your Lenovo Yoga model and the OKR version, but the basic process is similar.
- Choose Restore Option: You will likely see options like:
- “Restore from initial backup” (This is the Lenovo Yoga factory reset – returns the laptop to how it was when you bought it).
- “Restore from user backup” (If you created a backup with OKR earlier, you can use this).
- Confirm: The program will warn you that this process will erase data on your main drive (usually C:). Make sure you have backed up everything. Confirm you want to continue.
- Start Restoration: The program will start copying the system image from the Lenovo Yoga recovery partition to your main drive. This can take a while.
- Finish: Once done, the laptop might restart. You will then go through the initial Windows setup just like when the laptop was new.
Pros and Cons of OneKey Recovery
- Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Restores the laptop to a known working state (factory settings).
- Doesn’t require Windows to be working.
- Includes original drivers and Lenovo software.
- Cons:
- Erases all personal data on the main drive.
- Installs pre-installed Lenovo software you might not want (bloatware).
- The recovery partition takes up space on your hard drive.
- If the recovery partition is damaged or deleted, this method won’t work.
Using OneKey Recovery is the most direct way to achieve a Lenovo Yoga factory reset, especially if Windows is not starting correctly.
Method 2: Resetting Windows from Settings
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in reset function. This lets you Reset Lenovo Yoga to default settings directly from within the operating system. It’s different from the Lenovo factory reset because it uses standard Windows files, not the specific Lenovo recovery partition.
Interpreting the Windows Reset Feature
This feature helps you refresh or reinstall Windows without needing external recovery media. It’s good for fixing performance problems, software glitches, or preparing the laptop to be sold or given away.
Steps to Reset Windows via Settings
You can access this feature through the Windows Settings menu.
- Open Settings: Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.
- Go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11):
- In Windows 10, click on “Update & Security.”
- In Windows 11, click on “System.”
- Find Recovery:
- In Windows 10, select “Recovery” from the left-hand menu.
- In Windows 11, scroll down on the System page and click on “Recovery.”
- Start the Reset: Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the “Get started” button.
- Choose Your Option: You’ll see two main choices:
- Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows but tries to keep your personal files (documents, pictures, etc.). It will remove apps and settings. This is useful for fixing system problems without losing your data.
- Remove everything: This option removes personal files, apps, and settings. This is closer to a factory reset and is good if you want to start fresh or sell the laptop.
- Choose How to Reinstall Windows:
- Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft (requires internet). This is often cleaner and gets the latest version.
- Local reinstall: Uses files already on your computer. This is faster if you don’t have good internet, but might use older files.
- Additional Settings (Remove everything): If you chose “Remove everything,” you might see more options:
- Clean data? You can choose to just remove files quickly or perform a more thorough clean that makes it harder to recover files. The thorough clean takes much longer but is better if you are selling the laptop.
- Final Confirmation: Windows will show you a summary of what will happen. Read it carefully. It will list apps that will be removed.
- Start the Reset: Click “Reset.” The laptop will restart and begin the process. This can take a significant amount of time.
Pros and Cons of Windows Reset
- Pros:
- Easy to access from within Windows.
- Gives you the option to keep your files.
- Uses standard Windows files, not tied to a specific Lenovo partition.
- “Cloud download” gets a fresh, up-to-date copy of Windows.
- Cons:
- Removes installed programs (even if you keep your files).
- Might not fix problems caused by the recovery partition itself.
- Requires Windows to be running to start the process.
- “Remove everything” erases all personal data (unless you chose to keep files initially).
This method is a standard way to Reset Lenovo Yoga to default settings using built-in Windows tools and is very useful for general troubleshooting.
Method 3: Using System Restore
System Restore is a Windows feature that lets you go back to a previous point in time. This is useful for fixing recent problems, like those caused by installing new software or drivers. It’s important to know that this is not a full reset; it does not remove your personal files. It primarily affects system files, installed programs, and settings.
Fathoming System Restore
Think of System Restore as an “undo” button for your computer’s system changes. Windows automatically creates restore points before big changes like installing updates or new software, or you can create them yourself.
Steps to Use Lenovo Yoga System Restore
You can access System Restore through the Control Panel or System Properties.
- Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Find Recovery: In Control Panel, search for “Recovery” or navigate to
Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection. - Open System Restore: Click on “Open System Restore.”
- Choose a Restore Point:
- Click “Next.”
- You will see a list of available restore points. Choose a point from before the problem started.
- If you don’t see many options, check the box that says “Show more restore points.”
- You can click “Scan for affected programs” to see which programs will be removed or re-added by choosing that restore point.
- Confirm and Finish:
- Select the desired restore point and click “Next.”
- Read the confirmation screen.
- Click “Finish.”
- You will get a warning that System Restore cannot be stopped once it starts. Click “Yes” to proceed.
- Restart and Restore: Your laptop will restart and perform the restore. This can take some time. Do not interrupt it.
- Completion: After it finishes, Windows will start, and you’ll get a message telling you if System Restore was successful.
Pros and Cons of System Restore
- Pros:
- Does not delete your personal files.
- Quickly fixes problems caused by recent software or driver changes.
- Easy to use if you have valid restore points.
- Cons:
- Does not solve problems caused by hardware issues or corrupted Windows system files (in that case, a full reset is needed).
- Requires System Protection to be turned on (it is often on by default).
- Only works if you have restore points available.
- Will remove programs and drivers installed after the chosen restore point.
System Restore is a good first step if your problem started recently after installing something new. It’s a less drastic measure than a full reset.
Method 4: Performing a Hard Reset (Power Cycle)
Sometimes, your laptop might freeze or become unresponsive. A Hard reset Lenovo Yoga, also called a power cycle, is not a software reset like factory reset or Windows reset. It’s a way to completely cut power to the components to fix simple power issues or system freezes. It doesn’t erase your data.
Interpreting a Hard Reset
A hard reset forces the laptop hardware to turn off completely and discharge any leftover power. This can resolve issues where the laptop seems frozen, won’t turn off normally, or has strange power-related behavior.
Steps for a Hard Reset Lenovo Yoga
- Turn Off Laptop: Press and hold the power button for about 15-20 seconds until the laptop completely shuts down. Don’t just tap it.
- Unplug Everything: Disconnect the power adapter, any USB devices, external monitors, SD cards, etc. Remove anything connected to the laptop ports.
- Hold Power Button Again: With everything disconnected, press and hold the power button again for about 60 seconds. This helps to drain any remaining power from the internal components.
- Reconnect Power (Only): Plug the power adapter back into the laptop. Do not reconnect other devices yet.
- Turn On Laptop: Press the power button normally to turn on the laptop.
See if the issue is resolved. If it turns on, you can then plug your other devices back in one by one.
When to Use a Hard Reset
- The laptop is frozen and doesn’t respond to anything.
- The laptop won’t turn on, but the power light is on.
- The laptop won’t turn off normally.
- After internal work (like adding RAM or storage) to ensure a fresh start.
A hard reset is a troubleshooting step for hardware or power issues, not a fix for corrupted software or performance problems.
Method 5: Clean Installing Windows
A Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga is the most thorough type of reset. It completely erases everything on the hard drive partition where Windows is installed and puts a fresh copy of the operating system onto it. This is the best option for major software problems, getting rid of viruses that won’t go away, or ensuring no personal data remains if you are selling the laptop. It can also be used if your Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset using other methods.
Grasping a Clean Install
A clean install is like putting a brand new engine in your car. It removes all the old parts (your old Windows installation, programs, files) and starts fresh. This means everything needs to be reinstalled afterward.
Preparing for a Clean Install
- Backup: This is essential. A clean install deletes everything on the Windows partition.
- Windows Installation Media: You need a USB drive (at least 8GB) with the Windows installation files on it. You can create this using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website (search for “Windows 10 Media Creation Tool” or “Windows 11 Installation Media”). You will need another working computer to create this.
- Drivers: Download essential drivers (especially Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the Lenovo support website onto another USB drive. You’ll need these to get online after installation.
Steps for a Clean Install Windows Lenovo Yoga
- Create Installation Media: On a different computer, download and run the Windows Media Creation Tool. Follow the steps to create a bootable USB drive.
- Connect USB Drive: Insert the Windows installation USB drive into your Lenovo Yoga laptop.
- Access Boot Menu: You need to tell the laptop to start from the USB drive, not its internal hard drive.
- Turn off the laptop.
- Press the Novo button (as described in Method 1).
- From the Novo Button Menu, select “Boot Menu” and press Enter.
- Boot from USB: In the Boot Menu, select the USB drive (it might be listed by its brand name) and press Enter. The laptop should start from the USB drive and begin the Windows setup.
- Windows Setup:
- Choose your language and region. Click “Next.”
- Click “Install now.”
- Enter your Windows product key if asked (often, you can click “I don’t have a product key” as it will activate automatically later if tied to your hardware or account).
- Accept the license terms.
- Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
- Partition the Drive: This is where you erase the old Windows. You will see a list of partitions on your hard drive.
- Select the partition where Windows is currently installed (usually the largest one, often labeled C:).
- Click “Delete.” Confirm if asked.
- You might need to delete other related partitions like “System,” “Recovery,” etc. Be careful not to delete partitions you need, like a data partition if you created one, or the Lenovo recovery partition if you want to keep it, though a clean install often assumes you are wiping the whole drive. If you want a true clean start, delete all partitions related to the old Windows installation until you have “Unallocated Space.”
- Select the “Unallocated Space” and click “New” to create a new partition. Apply the default size (it will use all the space).
- Select the newly created partition and click “Next.” Windows will install onto this partition.
- Installation Progress: Windows will copy files and install features. The laptop will restart several times.
- Initial Setup: After installation, you will go through the standard Windows setup: connecting to Wi-Fi, logging in with your Microsoft account, setting up preferences.
- Install Drivers and Software: Once Windows is running, install the drivers you downloaded earlier. Then, connect to the internet and install any remaining drivers via Windows Update or Lenovo Vantage software. Finally, reinstall your programs and restore your backup files.
Pros and Cons of a Clean Install
- Pros:
- The most thorough reset method.
- Fixes almost all software-related problems.
- Removes viruses and malware effectively.
- Gives you a completely fresh start with no old files or settings.
- Can resolve issues when other resets fail or when Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset.
- Cons:
- Erases everything on the Windows partition.
- Requires creating bootable media.
- Takes more time to set up afterward (installing drivers, programs, restoring data).
- Requires more technical steps (boot menu, partitioning).
A clean install is powerful but should be used when other methods haven’t worked or when you need to ensure the laptop is completely free of your data and previous software issues.
Handling Specific Reset Situations
Different problems might lead you to reset your Lenovo Yoga. Here’s how the methods apply to common situations.
Lenovo Yoga Won’t Boot Reset
If your Lenovo Yoga laptop doesn’t start Windows correctly, many of the methods described above can still be used.
- OneKey Recovery (OKR): This is a great option if your Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset. Since you access OKR using the Novo button before Windows starts, it doesn’t rely on your current Windows installation being functional. Follow the steps in Method 1.
- Windows Recovery Environment: Even if Windows won’t start normally, you can often access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Windows usually tries to enter this mode automatically after failing to boot a few times. From WinRE, you can:
- Use System Restore (Method 3) if you have a restore point before the boot issue started.
- Access the “Reset this PC” option (Method 2).
- Access Startup Repair (often fails but worth trying).
- Clean Install: If OKR isn’t available or doesn’t work, and you can’t get into the Windows Recovery Environment, a Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga using bootable USB media (Method 5) is often the next step. You boot from the USB before the faulty system starts.
Reset Lenovo Yoga Forgotten Password
Forgetting your Windows password can prevent you from logging in. A full reset is one way to solve this, but it will likely mean losing your data unless you used the “Keep my files” option (and even then, some access issues might remain).
- “Reset this PC” (Remove Everything): Using the “Reset this PC” feature from the Windows Recovery Environment (access by letting boot fail a few times) and choosing “Remove everything” (Method 2) will clear the old user profiles and passwords. You will set up a new user during the final setup. This deletes your data.
- Clean Install: A Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga (Method 5) also removes all existing user accounts and passwords as it wipes the old system. This deletes your data.
- Lenovo OneKey Recovery: A Lenovo Yoga factory reset using OKR (Method 1) also returns the system to its original state without your user accounts or passwords. This deletes your data.
Important: Resetting to bypass a forgotten password usually means losing the data linked to that password-protected account unless you have a separate backup or use a method that tries to keep files (like the “Keep my files” option in Windows Reset, though success with forgotten passwords is not guaranteed).
Consider: If you use a Microsoft account, you might be able to reset your password online through the Microsoft website from another device before resorting to a full laptop reset. If you use a local account, options are limited, and a reset is often the path forward if you don’t have a password reset disk.
After the Reset: What’s Next?
Once the reset process is complete, your Lenovo Yoga laptop will restart. Depending on the method you used, you will have some steps to follow to get your laptop ready for use again.
- Initial Windows Setup: If you did a factory reset or a clean install, you will go through the initial Windows setup screens, asking about region, keyboard layout, connecting to Wi-Fi, and creating/logging into a user account.
- Windows Updates: Connect to the internet and run Windows Update immediately. Go to Settings > Update & Security (or Windows Update) and check for updates. Install all available updates. You may need to restart several times.
- Driver Installation: Even after updates, you might need specific Lenovo drivers for features like touchpad gestures, camera, or power management.
- The Lenovo Vantage app (often pre-installed or available from the Microsoft Store) can scan and install drivers.
- Visit the Lenovo Support website, find your specific Yoga model, and download drivers from there.
- Install Your Software: Reinstall all the applications you need, such as Microsoft Office, web browsers, antivirus software, photo editors, games, etc.
- Restore Your Data: Copy your backed-up personal files back onto your laptop from your external drive, USB drive, or cloud storage.
- Customize Settings: Adjust Windows settings, appearance, and preferences to your liking.
Performing these steps after a reset ensures your laptop is fully functional, secure with the latest updates, and set up for your needs.
Summary of Reset Methods
Here is a quick comparison of the main ways to reset your Lenovo Yoga laptop:
| Reset Method | Purpose | Access Method | Data Impact | When to Use | Notes | LSI Keywords Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OneKey Recovery (OKR) | Lenovo Yoga factory reset (original state) | Novo button | Erases C: drive | Serious system problems, selling/giving away, Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset | Uses Lenovo recovery partition | Lenovo Yoga factory reset, Novo button Lenovo Yoga, OneKey Recovery Lenovo Yoga, Lenovo Yoga recovery partition, Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset |
| Windows Reset (Settings) | Reset Windows to default settings | Windows Settings > Recovery | Option to keep files or remove everything | Performance issues, software glitches, fresh start, Reset Lenovo Yoga forgotten password | Uses standard Windows files | Reset Lenovo Yoga to default settings, Reset Lenovo Yoga forgotten password |
| System Restore | Go back to a previous point in time | Control Panel > Recovery | Keeps personal files; removes programs installed after point | Fix recent problems from updates/software | Does not fix major OS corruption | Lenovo Yoga system restore |
| Hard Reset (Power Cycle) | Fix power/freeze issues, discharge components | Hold power button (with AC/batt removed) | No data loss | Laptop frozen, won’t turn on/off normally, strange power behavior | Not a software reset | Hard reset Lenovo Yoga |
| Clean Install Windows | Install fresh copy of Windows, wipe partition | Boot from USB media | Erases Windows partition (usually C:) | Major OS corruption, stubborn viruses, selling/giving away, Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset, Reset Lenovo Yoga forgotten password | Most thorough; requires bootable media | Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga, Lenovo Yoga won’t boot reset, Reset Lenovo Yoga forgotten password |
Choosing the right method depends on the problem you face and the outcome you want (keeping files vs. total wipe). Always start with a backup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about resetting a Lenovo Yoga laptop.
h4 Does resetting my Lenovo Yoga delete everything?
It depends on the type of reset. A Lenovo Yoga factory reset using OneKey Recovery, a Windows Reset choosing “Remove everything,” or a Clean Install Windows Lenovo Yoga will delete all personal files and installed programs on the main drive (usually C:). A Windows Reset choosing “Keep my files” tries to save your personal files but removes programs. System Restore does not delete personal files but might remove recently installed programs. A Hard reset Lenovo Yoga does not delete anything.
h4 Can I factory reset my Lenovo Yoga without a password?
Yes, you can. If you forgot your password (Reset Lenovo Yoga forgotten password), you can perform a Lenovo Yoga factory reset using the Novo button and OneKey Recovery (Method 1) or a Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga using bootable media (Method 5). Both methods bypass the need to log into Windows but will erase your data. The “Reset this PC” option from the Windows Recovery Environment (accessed when Windows fails to boot) can also work, choosing “Remove everything” (Method 2).
h4 What is the Novo button for on a Lenovo Yoga?
The Novo button Lenovo Yoga is a small button or pinhole used to access the Novo Button Menu. This menu lets you choose to start Windows normally, enter BIOS Setup, go to the Boot Menu, or launch System Recovery (OneKey Recovery). It’s the primary way to access the Lenovo Yoga recovery partition and perform a factory reset if Windows isn’t working.
h4 How long does a Lenovo Yoga factory reset take?
The time varies depending on the method and your laptop’s speed and storage size. OneKey Recovery or a Windows Reset might take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. A Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga can also take an hour or more for the installation process itself, plus the time needed afterward for updates, drivers, and software installation.
h4 Can I stop a reset once it starts?
It is strongly advised not to stop a reset once it has begun. Interrupting the process can corrupt the operating system and potentially make your laptop unusable, requiring a more complex fix like a clean install.
h4 Where is the Lenovo Yoga recovery partition?
The Lenovo Yoga recovery partition is a hidden section on your laptop’s hard drive or SSD. It contains the files needed for OneKey Recovery to restore your system to its factory state or a previous backup. You usually access its features through the Novo button menu, not directly through Windows File Explorer.
h4 What’s the difference between System Restore and a factory reset?
Lenovo Yoga system restore takes your system files, programs, and settings back to a specific point in time without affecting your personal files. A Lenovo Yoga factory reset returns the entire system partition to its original state as when you bought the laptop, deleting all your personal files and installed programs. System Restore fixes recent software conflicts; a factory reset fixes deeper system corruption or prepares the laptop for a new user.
h4 Do I need the internet to reset my Lenovo Yoga?
Not always, but it’s often helpful or required for certain methods. OneKey Recovery (Lenovo Yoga factory reset) and a Local Reinstall via Windows Reset usually don’t need the internet. However, the “Cloud download” option in Windows Reset and performing a Clean install Windows Lenovo Yoga (especially for downloading the Media Creation Tool and drivers later) do require internet access. Updates and driver installations after any reset also require the internet.