Lenovo IdeaPad 3, IdeaPad Slim 3 Manual

About this guide

• This guide applies to Lenovo product model(s) listed below. Illustrations in this guide may look slightly different from your product model.

  Model name	Machine type (MT)
  IdeaPad 3 14ADA05	81W0
  IdeaPad 3 14ARE05	81W3
  IdeaPad 3 14IGL05	81WH
  IdeaPad 3 14IIL05	81WD
  IdeaPad 3 14IML05	81WA
  IdeaPad 3 15ADA05	81W1
  	82BQ
  IdeaPad 3 15ARE05	81W4
  	82BR
  IdeaPad 3 15IGL05	81WQ
  IdeaPad 3 15IIL05	81WE
  IdeaPad 3 15IML05	81WB
  	81WR
  IdeaPad 3 17ADA05	81W2
  IdeaPad 3 17ARE05	81W5
  IdeaPad 3 17IML05	81WC
  IdeaPad 14sARE 2020	82CB
  IdeaPad 14sIIL 2020	81WD
  IdeaPad 14sIML 2020	81WA
  IdeaPad 15sARE 2020	82CC
  IdeaPad 15sIIL 2020	81WE
  IdeaPad 15sIML 2020	81WB

• This guide may contain information about accessories, features, and software that are not available on all models.
• This guide contains instructions that are based on the Windows 10 operating system. These instructions are not applicable if you install and use other operating systems.
• Microsoft^® makes periodic feature changes to the Windows^® operating system through Windows Update. As a result, the operating system related instructions may become outdated. Refer to Microsoft resources for the latest information.
• The content of the guide is subject to change without notice. To obtain the latest version, go to https://support.lenovo.com.

Meet your computer

Front

Top
14-inch models

Table 1. Indication of the Power/Fingerprint reader* light

* for selected models

15-inch models and 17-inch models

Table 2. Indication of the Power/Fingerprint reader* light

* for selected models

Left

Right

Bottom
14-inch models and 15-inch models

17-inch models

Features and specifications

* for selected models
Note: The battery capacity is the typical or average capacity as measured in a specific test environment. Capacities measured in other environments may differ but are no lower than the rated capacity (see product label).

Statement on USB transfer rate

Depending on many factors such as the processing capability of the host and peripheral devices, file attributes, and other factors related to system configuration and operating environments, the actual transfer rate using the various USB connectors on this device will vary and will be slower than the data rate listed below for each corresponding device.

Operating environment

Maximum altitude (without pressurization)
3048 m (10000 ft)

Temperature

• At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft)
  • Operating: 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
  • Storage: 5°C to 43°C (41°F to 109°F)
• At altitudes above 2438 m (8000 ft)
  • –Maximum temperature when operating under the unpressurized condition: 31.3°C (88°F)
    Note: When you charge the battery, its temperature must be no lower than 10°C (50°F).

Relative humidity

• Operating: 8% to 95% at wet-bulb temperature 23°C (73°F)
• Storage: 5% to 95% at wet-bulb temperature 27°C (81°F)

Get started with your computer

Get started with Windows 10

Learn the basics of Windows 10 and start working with it right away. For more information about Windows 10, see the Windows help information.

Windows account

You must create at least one account to use the Windows operating system. It can be either a local account or a Microsoft account.

Local accounts
A local account is created on a particular Windows-enabled device and it can only be used on that device. It is recommended that you set a password for each local account to prevent unauthorized access to the device.

Microsoft accounts
A Microsoft account is a user account that you use to sign in to Microsoft software and services. If you use Microsoft services like OneDrive, Outlook.com, Xbox Live, Office 365, and Skype, you might already have one. If you don't have it, you can create one for free.
There are two main benefits of using a Microsoft account:

• Sign in only once. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10, you don't need to sign in again to use OneDrive, Skype, Outlook.com, and other Microsoft services.
• Settings can be synced. If you use your Microsoft account to sign in to multiple Windows-enabled devices, certain Windows settings can be synced among the devices.

Switch between a local and a Microsoft account
If you are using a local account to sign in to Windows 10, you can switch to use a Microsoft account instead.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts.
2. Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
3. If you already have a Microsoft account, enter the account name and password to sign in. Otherwise, select Create one to create a new Microsoft account.
   Note: The device must have Internet access the first time you use a Microsoft account on that device.

If you want to switch back to use a local account, open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts ➙ Sign in with a local account instead.

Add additional user accounts
Your user account must be of the "Administrator" type to add additional user accounts to Windows.
Add additional user accounts if you need to share your computer with family members or other users.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts ➙ Family & other users.
2. Select Add someone else to this PC.
   Note: To add family members, you need to sign in with a Microsoft account.
3. Set the user name and password for the user account.

Enroll your fingerprint
If your computer includes a fingerprint reader, you can enroll your fingerprint for Windows sign-in.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts ➙ Sign-in options.
   Note: If you are using a local account, the account must be password protected. Otherwise, you cannot enroll fingerprints.
2. Select Windows Hello Fingerprint ➙ Set up ➙ Get started.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the enrollment. Create a PIN when prompted, in case your fingerprint cannot be recognized at Windows sign-in.
   Note: You can enroll more than one fingerprint.

Windows desktop

1. Account	Change account settings, lock the computer, or sign out of the current account.
2. Documents	Open the Documents folder, a default folder to save your received files.
3. Pictures	Open the Pictures folder, a default folder to save your received pictures.
4. Settings	Open Settings.
5. Power	Shut down, restart, or put the computer into sleep mode.
6. Start button	Open the Start menu.
7. Windows Search	Enter what you are looking for in the search box and get search results from your computer and the Web.
8. Task View	Display all opened apps and switch between them.
9. Windows notification area	Display notifications and status of some features.
10. Battery status icon	Display power status and change battery or power settings.
11. Network icon	Connect to an available wireless network and display the network status.
12. Action center	Display the latest notifications from apps and provide quick access to some features.

Open the Start menu

• Click the Start button.
• Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard.

Open Control Panel

• Open the Start menu and select Windows System ➙ Control Panel.
• Use Windows Search.

Open an app

• Open the Start menu and select the app you want to open.
• Use Windows Search.

Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo PC Manager

Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo PC Manager is software developed by Lenovo. Using the software, you can:

• View product information
• View warranty and support information
• Run hardware scan and diagnose problems
• Change hardware settings
• Update Windows, drivers, and UEFI/BIOS

Lenovo Vantage or PC Manager may be pre-installed on your computer. To open it, enter the software name in Windows Search and select the matched result.
Note: If Lenovo Vantage is not pre-installed, you can download it from Microsoft Store.

Connect to Wi-Fi networks

If your computer includes a wireless adapter, you can connect your computer to Wi-Fi networks.

1. Click the network icon in the Windows notification area. A list of nearby networks is displayed.
   Note: If no network is displayed, check to ensure that the airplane mode is not turned on.
2. Select a network and click Connect. Provide security key if prompted.
   Note: The network key is usually managed by the network administrator.

Forget a Wi-Fi network

Windows saves a list of Wi-Fi networks you have connected to, along with their passwords and other settings. By doing this, your computer is automatically connected when it is in the range of a previously connected network. However, if the network password has been changed, you need to forget the network in order to enter a new password.

1. Select Start ➙ Settings ➙ Network & Internet ➙ Wi-Fi.
2. Click Manage known networks.
3. Click the network name and click Forget.

Turn airplane mode on and off

Airplane mode is a convenient setting to turn all wireless communications of your computer on and off. You may need to turn it on when boarding an airplane.

1. Click the action center icon in the Windows notification area.
2. Click the Airplane mode icon to turn it on or off.
   Note: Click Expand if you cannot find the airplane mode icon.

The Novo Button menu

The Novo Button menu can be displayed before the operating system starts. From the menu, you can choose to

• Open the BIOS/UEFI setup utility
• Open the boot device selection menu
• Open the Windows startup options screen
  Note: From the Windows startup options screen, you can then choose to
  Start your computer using a recovery drive
  Reset your computer
  Open advanced options screen

Open the Novo Button menu

For Lenovo computers with a Novo button, you can press the button to open the Novo Button menu.

1. Turn off the computer.
2. Open the LCD screen and press the Novo button.
   Note: Alternatively, turn off the computer. Press Fn and the power button to open the Novo Button menu.

Interact with your computer

Keyboard hotkeys
Some keys on the keyboard are printed with icons. These keys are called hotkeys and can be pressed alone or in combination with the Fn key to access certain Windows functions or settings quickly. The functions of hotkeys are symbolized by the icons printed on them.

Hotkey	Function
	Mute/Unmute sound.
	Decrease/Increase system volume.
	Mute/Unmute the microphone.
	Reload Web pages or refresh the screen.
	Enable/Disable the touchpad.
	Turn airplane mode on and off.
	Enable/Disable the integrated camera.
	Lock the screen.
	Switch display devices.
	Increase/Decrease screen brightness.

Hotkey mode
Some hotkeys share keys with function keys (F1 to F12). The hotkey mode is a UEFI/BIOS setting that changes how hotkeys (or function keys) are used.

Note: Hotkeys that do not share keys with function keys are not affected by the hotkey mode setting. They should always be used with the Fn key.

Numeric keypad

Some Lenovo computers includes a dedicated numeric keypad on the far right of the keyboard. The keypad is used for entering numbers and operators quickly.
Press the NumLock key to enable or disable the numeric keypad.

Explore your computer

Manage power

Use the information in this section to achieve the best balance between performance and power efficiency.

Check the battery status

The battery status icon or is in the Windows notification area. You can check the battery status, view the current power plan, and access battery settings quickly.
Click the battery status icon to display the percentage of battery power remaining and change the power mode. A warning message is displayed when the battery is low.

Charge the battery

When the remaining battery power is low, charge your battery by connecting your computer to ac power.
The battery is fully charged in about two to four hours. The actual charging time depends on the battery capacity, the physical environment, and whether you are using the computer.
Battery charging is also affected by its temperature. The recommended temperature range for charging the battery is between 10°C (50°F) and 35°C (95°F).
Note: To maximize the life of the battery, the computer does not start recharging the battery if the remaining power is greater than 95%.

Check the battery temperature

You can check the battery temperature in Lenovo Vantage or Lenovo PC manager.

1. Open Lenovo Vantage.
2. Click Hardware Settings ➙ Power.
3. Locate the Power Status section and then click Show Details to view the battery temperature.
   Note: If you're using Lenovo PC Manager, select System hardware ➙ Battery.

Set power button behavior

By default, pressing the power button puts the computer to sleep mode. However, you can change the power button behavior in Windows Control Panel.

1. Right-click the battery status icon in the Windows notification area.
2. Select Power Options ➙ Choose what the power button does.

Change or create a power plan

A power plan is a set of power saving settings. You can choose a pre-defined power plan or you can create your own plans.

1. Right-click the battery status icon in the Windows notification area.
2. Select Power Options ➙ Change plan settings.

Change settings in UEFI/BIOS setup utility

This section introduces what is UEFI/BIOS and the operations you can perform in its setup utility.

What is UEFI/BIOS setup utility

UEFI/BIOS is the first program that runs when a computer starts. UEFI/BIOS initializes hardware components and loads the operating system and other programs. Your computer may include a setup program (setup utility) with which you can change certain UEFI/BIOS settings.

Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility

1. Turn on or restart the computer.
2. When the Lenovo logo appears on the screen, press F2 repeatedly.
   Note: For computers with hotkey mode enabled, press Fn + F2.

Change the startup sequence

You may need to change the startup sequence to allow the computer to start from another device or a network location.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Navigate to the Boot menu.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to change the order of devices under Boot Priority Order.
   Note: You can also change startup sequence temporarily without opening the setup utility. To do so, start the computer. When the Lenovo logo appears, press F12 (or Fn + F12) repeatedly.

Change hotkey mode

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Select Configuration ➙ Hotkey Mode and press Enter.
3. Change the setting to Disabled or Enabled.
4. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.

Enable or disable always-on

For some Lenovo computers with always-on connectors, the always-on function can be enabled or disabled in the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Select Configuration ➙ Always On USB and press Enter.
3. Change the setting to Disabled or Enabled.
4. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.

Set passwords in UEFI/BIOS setup utility

This section introduces the types of passwords that you can set in the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) or BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) setup utility.

Password types

You can set various types of passwords in the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.

Notes:

• All passwords set in the setup utility consist of alphanumeric characters only.
• If you start the setup utility using the user password, you can only change a few settings.

Set administrator password

You set the administrator password to prevent unauthorized access to the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
Attention: If you forget the administrator password, a Lenovo authorized service personnel cannot reset your password. You must take your computer to a Lenovo authorized service personnel to have the system board replaced. Proof of purchase is required and a fee will be charged for parts and service.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Select Security ➙ Set Administrator Password and press Enter.
3. Enter a password string that contains only letters and numbers and then press Enter
4. Enter the password again and press Enter.
5. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.
   Next time you start the computer, you must enter the administrator password to open the setup utility. If Power on Password is enabled, you must enter the administrator password or the user password to start the computer.

Change or remove administrator password

Only the administrator can change or remove the administrator password.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility using the administrator password.
2. Select Security ➙ Set Administrator Password and press Enter.
3. Enter the current password.
4. In the Enter New Password text box, enter the new password.
5. In the Confirm New Password text box, enter the new password again.
   Note: If you want to remove the password, press Enter in both text boxes without entering any character
6. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.
   If you remove the administrator password, the user password is also removed.

Set user password

You must set the administrator password before you can set the user password.
The administrator of the setup utility might need to set a user password for use by others.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility using the administrator password.
2. Select Security ➙ Set User Password and press Enter.
3. Enter a password string that contains only letters and numbers and then press Enter. The user password must be different from the administrator password.
4. Enter the password again and press Enter.
5. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.

Enable power-on password

If the administrator password has been set, you can enable power-on password to enforce greater security.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Select Security ➙ Power on Password and press Enter.
   Note: The administrator password must be set in advance.
3. Change the setting to Enabled.
4. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.
   If power-on password is enabled, a prompt appears on the screen every time you turn on the computer. You must enter the administrator or user password to start the computer.

Set hard disk password

You can set a hard disk password in the setup utility to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
Attention: Be extremely careful when setting a hard disk password. If you forget the hard disk password, a Lenovo authorized service personnel cannot reset your password or recover data from the hard disk. You must take your computer to a Lenovo authorized service personnel to have the hard disk drive replaced. Proof of purchase is required and a fee will be charged for parts and service.

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Select Security ➙ Set Hard Disk Password and press Enter.
   Note: If you start the setup utility using the user password, you cannot set hard disk password.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to set both master and user passwords.
   Note: The master and user hard disk passwords must be set at the same time.
4. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.
   If the hard disk password is set, you must provide the correct password to start the operating system.

Change or remove hard disk password

1. Open the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
2. Select Security.
3. Change or remove the hard disk password.
   To change or remove master password, select Change Master Password and press Enter.
   Note: If you remove the master hard disk password, the user hard disk password is also removed.
   To change user password, select Change User Password and press Enter.
   Note: The user hard disk password cannot be removed separately.
4. Select Exit ➙ Exit Saving Changes.

Reset or restore Windows

This section introduces the recovery options of Windows 10. Ensure that you read and follow the on-screen recovery instructions.
Attention: The data on your computer might be deleted during the recovery process. To avoid data loss, make a backup copy of all the data that you want to keep.

Windows 10 recovery options

Windows 10 provides several options for you to restore or reset your computer. The following table helps you decide which option to choose if you are having problems with Windows.

Windows System Restore

System Restore is a tool included in Windows 10. It monitors changes to Windows system files and saves system state as a restore point. If your computer does not work well after installing apps, drivers, or updates, you can revert your system to a previous restore point.
Note: If you revert your system to a previous restore point, personal data is not affected.
System Restore creates restore points:

• automatically (when it detects changes to Windows system files)
• at regular intervals (if set up by the user)
• at any time (if initiated manually by the user)

Note: In order for System Restore to create restore points, system protection must be turned on for the system drive.

Create a system restore point manually
You can use Windows System Restore to create a restore point at any time.

1. In the Windows 10 search box, enter Create a restore point and select the matched result.
2. Select the System Protection tab and then select Create.
   Note: System protection must be turned on for the system drive (typically with drive letter C) before you can create restore points. Select a drive and then select Configure to turn on or disable system protection.

Restore from a system restore point

1. In Windows 10 search box, enter Recovery and select the matched result.
2. Select Open System Restore ➙ Next.
3. Select a restore point and then select Next ➙ Finish.
   Note: You may select Scan for affected programs to check which program and driver installation is associated with a particular restore point.

Reset Windows

If Windows is not running well as usual, you can choose to reset it.

1. Open the Start menu and then select Settings ➙ Update & Security ➙ Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
3. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
   Attention: Back up personal data before choosing Remove everything.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Create a recovery drive

Use a USB drive (not supplied) to create a Windows recovery drive. If Windows will not start, you can use the recovery drive to restore or reset Windows.
Notes: Most USB drives utilize the Type-A connector. If your computer does not include a USB Type-A connector, you have two options:

• Purchase and use a USB drive with the Type-C connector, or
• Purchase and use a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter

1. In the Windows 10 search box, enter Create a recovery drive and select the matched result.
2. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select Next.
3. Plug a USB drive into your computer, select it, and then select Next ➙ Create.
   Attention: Previous files on the drive will be deleted. Back up personal files before using it to create a recovery drive.
   When the recovery drive is created, you may see a Delete the recovery partition from your PC option. If you want to free up drive space on your computer, select it and then select Delete. Otherwise, select Finish.

Use a recovery drive to restore or reset Windows

If Windows cannot start, you can use a recovery drive (created in advance) to restore or reset Windows.

1. Connect the recovery drive to your computer; restart your computer and set it to start from the recovery drive.
   Note: For computers without a USB Type-A connector, you may need to purchase and use an adapter (USB Type-C to Type-A) to use a recovery drive.
2. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
3. Choose a recovery option.
   Select Advanced Options ➙ System Restore to restore your computer to a system restore point.
   Or select Recover from a drive to reset your computer.
   Note: If you did not select the Back up system files to the recovery drive option when creating the recovery drive, Recovery from a drive is not available.
   Attention: All personal files created on your computer will be deleted after recovering from the drive.

Frequently asked questions

Help and support

Self-help resources

Use the following self-help resources to learn more about the computer and troubleshoot problems.

Call Lenovo
If you have tried to correct the problem yourself and still need help, you can call Lenovo Customer Support Center.

Before you contact Lenovo
Record product information and problem details before you contact Lenovo.

Note: The product name and serial number can usually be found on the bottom of the computer, either printed on a label or etched on the cover.

Lenovo Customer Support Center
During the warranty period, you can call Lenovo Customer Support Center for help.

Telephone numbers
For a list of the Lenovo Support phone numbers for your country or region, go to https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/supportphonelist.
Note: Phone numbers are subject to change without notice. If the number for your country or region is not provided, contact your Lenovo reseller or Lenovo marketing representative.

Services available during the warranty period

• Problem determination - Trained personnel are available to assist you with determining if you have a hardware problem and deciding what action is necessary to fix the problem.
• Lenovo hardware repair - If the problem is determined to be caused by Lenovo hardware under warranty, trained service personnel are available to provide the applicable level of service.
• Engineering change management - Occasionally, there might be changes that are required after a product has been sold. Lenovo or your reseller, if authorized by Lenovo, will make selected Engineering Changes (ECs) that apply to your hardware available.

Services not covered

• Replacement or use of parts not manufactured for or by Lenovo or nonwarranted parts
• Identification of software problem sources
• Configuration of UEFI/BIOS as part of an installation or upgrade
• Changes, modifications, or upgrades to device drivers
• Installation and maintenance of network operating systems (NOS)
• Installation and maintenance of programs

For the terms and conditions of the Lenovo Limited Warranty that apply to your Lenovo hardware product, see "Warranty information" in the Safety and Warranty Guide that comes with your computer.

Purchase additional services
During and after the warranty period, you can purchase additional services from Lenovo at https://www.lenovo.com/services.
Service availability and service name might vary by country or region.