Lenovo laptops are well-known for their reliable performance and sleek design, making them a popular choice for work and study. However, over time, system issues like malware, crashing software, or a sluggish OS can make your device frustrating to use.
If you're wondering how to factory reset your Lenovo laptop, especially without a password recovery disk, or if you're preparing it for resale, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll walk you through every safe and effective method, from using Windows settings to the Novo button and even keyboard shortcuts for users without a Novo Button.
Part 1: Use Windows Settings to Factory Reset Lenovo Laptop (with Password)
If your Lenovo laptop is still accessible and you know the password, the easiest way to restore it is through the built-in Windows Settings. This method is ideal when your system is running, but you want to start fresh, whether you're fixing issues or preparing to sell the device.
Steps to Factory Reset via Windows Settings:
Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Step 2: Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
Step 3: Choose Remove everything to delete all personal files and apps.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
I recently used this reset method on a Lenovo IdeaPad running Windows 11. The whole reset process took less than 30 minutes and noticeably improved the system's speed. One thing I strongly recommend is backing up your documents to WPS Cloud before starting. I saved the files I created in WPS Office and restored them minutes after the reset; no USB drives were needed.
This process works seamlessly on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you're wondering how to factory reset a Lenovo laptop Windows 10/11, this method should be your first choice.
Part 2: Reset Lenovo Laptop Without Password Using Novo Button & Recovery Partition
If you're locked out of your Lenovo laptop or it's experiencing severe system errors, don't panic. Lenovo includes a built-in recovery feature called the Novo Button, which allows you to reset your system without a password or external recovery media.
This is the go-to method if you're searching for how to reset a Lenovo laptop to factory settings without a password.
Steps to Factory Reset Using the Novo Button:
Step 1: Shut down your Lenovo laptop completely.
Step 2: Locate and press the Novo Button. (It's usually a small pinhole; use a paperclip if necessary.)
Step 3: From the menu that appears, select System Recovery.
Step 4: Choose Restore from initial backup and follow the on-screen instructions.
I once helped a friend who forgot their Windows password and couldn't log in to their Lenovo ThinkBook. The Novo Button worked like magic; it bypassed the lock screen entirely and launched the recovery menu.
Even better, we had saved their important schoolwork on WPS Cloud, so after the reset, everything was waiting and ready once we reinstalled WPS Office. No files lost, no stress.
Tip: If you're looking for how to factory reset Lenovo laptop using keyboard, and your Novo Button doesn't work, press Shift + Restart from the login screen. This will open recovery options where you can reset your PC.
Part 3: Ensure Secure & Productive Workflow After Reset with WPS Office
After you've factory reset your Lenovo laptop, the next step is rebuilding your digital workspace. For anyone working on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, having a dependable office suite is a must. That's where WPS Office shines.
Whether you're a student, remote worker, or casual user, WPS Office helps you bounce back into productivity immediately after a reset.
Why Choose WPS Office Post-Reset?
Native Compatibility & Easy Reinstallation
WPS Office is available through the Microsoft Store and WPS Office official website. After resetting your laptop, simply download and install it like any other app. It fully supports Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF formats, so you don't have to worry about file compatibility.
Data Safety You Can Trust
Worried about losing files? Don't be. If you've backed up your documents using WPS Cloud or even Google Drive, they'll still be there after the reset. This is one reason why I always recommend syncing your work regularly; it takes the fear out of factory resets.
Affordable & Feature-Packed
WPS Office offers a free version with all the basics you need. And if you want more tools, like advanced PDF editing, resume templates, or cloud storage upgrades, the Premium plan is often more budget-friendly than competitors like Microsoft 365.
After resetting my own Lenovo laptop, reinstalling WPS Office was my first priority. It took less than 5 minutes to install, and since I had all my files synced in WPS Cloud, I picked up exactly where I left off. No hassle, no lost data, and no pricey subscriptions.
If you're looking for a simple, secure, and efficient way to restore productivity after a factory reset, WPS Office is the tool I personally trust.
FAQs
Q1: Will a factory reset delete all my files?
Yes. A factory reset removes all personal data and apps stored locally. However, if you've backed up files to WPS Cloud, OneDrive, or an external drive, your data will remain safe and can be restored afterward.
Q2: Can I reset my Lenovo laptop without a recovery disk?
Absolutely. Lenovo laptops include built-in recovery options like the Novo Button and Windows Recovery tools. These let you reset your laptop even without a recovery disk.
Q3: What if the Novo Button doesn't work?
If the Novo Button is damaged or missing, you can reset your system using keyboard shortcuts. Try holding Shift and clicking Restart from the login screen. You can also use a USB recovery drive if needed. This is especially useful when you're looking for how to factory reset Lenovo laptop without Novo Button.
Q4: How do I check system issues before resetting?
Use Windows Event Viewer to track frequent errors, warnings, and system crashes. This can help you decide whether a reset is necessary or if other troubleshooting options might help.
Summary
Factory resetting your Lenovo laptop is a reliable solution when facing performance issues, malware, or system errors. If you still have access to your system, the Windows Settings reset option is simple and effective. For users who are locked out or don't remember their password, the built-in Novo Button offers a quick way to restore factory settings without needing recovery disks. Even if your laptop doesn't have a Novo Button, keyboard shortcuts or a USB recovery drive can help complete the process.
After the reset, restoring productivity is key, and that's where WPS Office comes in. It's easy to reinstall, supports all major file formats, and syncs smoothly with WPS Cloud or other storage tools. This ensures your files remain safe and accessible, even after a full reset. Whether you're a student or professional, WPS Office makes it easy to pick up where you left off and get back to work without missing a beat.
