ThinkStation boot from USB

Preparation

1. Create a Bootable USB Drive: Ensure that you have a bootable USB drive prepared with the desired operating system (e.g., Windows 10 or 11). You can use tools like the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create this drive.

2. Format the USB Drive: Make sure the USB drive is formatted to FAT32 for compatibility with UEFI systems.

BIOS Settings

1. Access BIOS: Restart your ThinkStation and press the F1 key repeatedly as the Lenovo logo appears. This will take you into the BIOS setup.

2. Disable Secure Boot: Navigate to the Security tab and find the Secure Boot option. Set it to Disabled.

3. Change Boot Mode: If your USB is formatted with MBR, set the boot mode to Legacy. If it is GPT, ensure that UEFI is selected. This can usually be found under the Startup tab.

4. Adjust Boot Order: Go to the Boot tab and set the USB drive as the first boot option. Ensure that USB KEY or USB HDD is at the top of the list.

5. Save Changes: Press F10 to save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Boot from USB

1. Boot Menu: Restart the ThinkStation and press F12 during startup to access the Boot Menu.

2. Select USB Drive: Use the arrow keys to select your USB drive from the list and press Enter to boot from it.

Troubleshooting

- If the USB drive does not appear in the Boot Menu, double-check that it is properly formatted and created as a bootable device.
- Ensure that all USB ports are enabled in the BIOS settings.
- If you continue to have issues, consider removing the CMOS battery for a minute to reset BIOS settings, then reconfigure as needed[2][4][5].