Lenovo: Novo button and system recovery step by step
Many Lenovo laptops have a small Novo button that opens the recovery menu even when the system won't start. Here's how to use it.
- Most common cause
- a damaged system or a failed update
- Time
- 30–90 minutes
- Repair shop, if nothing helps
- 200–540 zł
Warning: restoring the system to factory settings deletes data from the drive. If possible, back up your documents and photos. Keep the charger plugged in for the whole process. Press the Novo button gently, without force.
Step by step
Do a hard restart
Hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Unplug the charger and USB devices, wait a minute and turn the laptop on again.
Find the Novo button
It's a small hole with an arrow icon next to the power button or on the side of the casing. Not every model has one. If you can't see it, check your model's manual.
Turn off the laptop and press Novo
Shut the laptop down completely. Press the Novo button with a pin or a straightened paper clip. The laptop will start in the Novo menu.
Choose System Recovery
In the Novo menu, choose System Recovery, then Troubleshoot. There you'll find repair tools, including system restore and advanced options.
Try startup repair
In the Troubleshoot tools, choose Advanced options and then Startup Repair or System Restore. These options don't delete your files.
Warning: reset the PC
Warning: the Reset this PC option may delete all data. Back up first. If you have a choice, start with the option that keeps your files.
- The Novo button doesn't open any menu.
- The laptop won't start even to the recovery screen.
- The problem comes back after restoring the system.
- You hear strange noises from the drive or the laptop gets very hot.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Installing the system with a data backup | 200–540 zł |
| Replacing the drive with an SSD, including installation | 340–820 zł |
| Cleaning and replacing thermal paste | 160–410 zł |
| Battery replacement | 340–820 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
Restoring the system with Novo costs 0 zł and often saves the laptop. If the drive is the problem, switching to an SSD is usually worth it. For an old laptop with an expensive fault, use the calculator to see whether a new one makes more sense.
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Open the calculator →FAQ
Where is the Novo button on a Lenovo?
Usually next to the power button or on the side of the laptop, as a small hole with an arrow. You press it with a pin while the laptop is off.
Does the Novo button delete my data?
Pressing it doesn't. Data can only be deleted by a system reset option, so read the on-screen messages.
My Lenovo has no Novo button. What should I do?
Use recovery from within Windows: Settings → System → Recovery. You can also open recovery by holding Shift and clicking Restart.