How to Boot From USB on Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3: A Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Are you ready to install a new operating system on your Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 or perhaps just need to access a bootable USB drive.
Double-check that you’ve moved the USB drive to the top of the boot order list in the BIOS.
No, you need to access the BIOS to change the boot order and prioritize your USB drive.

Are you ready to install a new operating system on your Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 or perhaps just need to access a bootable USB drive? Knowing how to boot from USB on your Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 is a valuable skill for any tech-savvy user. This guide will walk you through the process, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Understanding Boot Order and BIOS Settings

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand the basics. When your computer starts, it goes through a process called the “boot sequence.” This sequence determines which device your computer will attempt to boot from first. Typically, this is your hard drive, where your operating system is stored. However, we want to change this order to prioritize your USB drive.
To modify the boot order, you need to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings. The BIOS is a low-level software that controls the hardware of your computer.

Accessing the BIOS on Your Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3

Here’s how to access the BIOS on your Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3:
1. Power off your laptop: Ensure the laptop is completely shut down.
2. Press the power button: While holding the power button, press the F2 key repeatedly. You might need to press it several times before the BIOS screen appears.
3. Look for the BIOS menu: You’ll see the Lenovo logo, followed by the BIOS screen. The key to access the BIOS might vary depending on your specific model. If F2 doesn’t work, try pressing Fn + F2, F1, or Del.

Once you’re in the BIOS, you’ll need to find the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the menus.

Prioritizing the USB Drive

1. Locate the Boot Order: Look for the option that says “Boot Order,” “Boot Priority,” or something similar. Select it using the arrow keys.
2. Change the boot sequence: You’ll see a list of boot devices. Use the arrow keys to highlight your USB drive.
3. Set the USB as the first boot device: Use the “+” or “-” keys to move the USB drive to the top of the list. This ensures that your computer will attempt to boot from the USB drive first.
4. Save changes and exit: Press the F10 key to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will reboot, and now it should boot from your USB drive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don‘t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

USB drive not detected: Make sure your USB drive is properly plugged into a working port. Try a different port if possible.
BIOS not recognizing USB drive: Ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly, preferably using the FAT32 file system.
Incorrect boot order: Double-check that you’ve moved the USB drive to the top of the boot order list in the BIOS.

USB drive not bootable: Make sure the USB drive contains a bootable image, such as a bootable operating system installation file or a diagnostic tool.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Boot

Here are some extra tips to ensure a successful boot process:

Disable Secure Boot: In some cases, you might need to disable “Secure Boot” in the BIOS. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized software from running, but it can sometimes interfere with booting from USB drives.

Enable Legacy Boot: If you’re having trouble booting from a USB drive, try enabling “Legacy Boot” in the BIOS settings. This setting allows your computer to boot from older devices.

Wrapping Up: A Successful USB Boot

By following these steps, you’ve successfully navigated the BIOS settings and prioritized your USB drive for booting. Now, your Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 should boot from the USB drive, allowing you to install a new operating system, run diagnostic tools, or access other bootable applications.