The Novo Button on a Lenovo Legion 7i is a small, specialized button designed to help users access critical system functions and recovery options before the operating system fully loads. It acts as a gateway to the Novo Button menu, providing essential tools for troubleshooting, system maintenance, and advanced configuration.
Understanding the Novo Button
Typically, the Novo Button is a small, recessed button that you press with a straightened paperclip or a similar thin tool. Its location can vary slightly depending on the specific model of the Legion 7i, but it is often found on the side of the laptop near the power button, or sometimes on the bottom. It often features an icon resembling an inverted U or an arrow pointing backward, symbolizing system recovery or return to factory settings.
This button is a lifesaver for situations where you cannot access the BIOS/UEFI setup through traditional key presses during boot-up, or when Windows fails to start correctly.
Key Functions of the Novo Button Menu
When you press the Novo Button, your Legion 7i powers on (if off) or restarts and presents the Novo Button Menu. This menu offers several critical options, allowing you to bypass the standard boot process and access utilities crucial for system diagnostics and repair.
The primary options available from the Novo Button menu typically include:
- UEFI/BIOS Setup Utility: This allows you to enter the computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) setup. Here, you can configure hardware settings, change boot order, manage security features, and perform other low-level system adjustments.
- Boot Menu: Accessing the Boot Menu lets you manually select which device to boot from (e.g., hard drive, SSD, USB drive, network boot). This is particularly useful for installing operating systems from a USB drive or troubleshooting boot issues.
- Windows Startup Options Screen: This option takes you to the advanced Windows recovery environment. From here, you can perform system restore, access troubleshooting tools, reset your PC, or launch safe mode.
When to Use the Novo Button
The Novo Button is an invaluable tool for various scenarios:
- Accessing BIOS/UEFI: If you need to change hardware settings, enable virtualization, or modify boot preferences, the Novo button offers a reliable way to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Booting from External Devices: When installing a new operating system, running diagnostics from a USB drive, or using a bootable recovery tool, the Boot Menu accessed via the Novo Button is essential for selecting the correct boot device.
- Troubleshooting Windows Issues: If your Windows operating system fails to boot, crashes frequently, or you need to perform a system restore, the Windows Startup Options provide access to powerful recovery tools.
- System Recovery: In dire situations, you might use the Novo Button menu to initiate a system recovery process, potentially restoring your Legion 7i to its factory state (though this option might be within the Windows Startup Options).
How to Use the Novo Button on Your Legion 7i
Using the Novo Button is straightforward:
- Power Off: Ensure your Lenovo Legion 7i is completely powered off. Do not just put it to sleep.
- Locate the Button: Find the small, recessed Novo Button hole on your laptop. Refer to your Legion 7i's user manual for the exact location, but it's often on the side or bottom.
- Press the Button: Gently press the Novo Button with a straightened paperclip or a thin tool until the Novo Button Menu appears on the screen.
- Select an Option: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the menu and press Enter to select your desired option (e.g., BIOS Setup, Boot Menu, or System Recovery).
Practical Considerations
While using the Novo Button, remember that for certain actions like booting from external devices, you might need an appropriate adapter or a correctly formatted external drive. Always ensure your laptop is powered off before pressing the Novo Button to guarantee it functions as intended and doesn't just wake the system from sleep.
The Novo Button is a fundamental feature that empowers Legion 7i users with direct control over their system's boot process and recovery options, making it a crucial component for both advanced users and those needing to troubleshoot unexpected issues.
