A Lenovo laptop stuck at the boot logo screen (frozen on the Lenovo splash). Every year, many Singaporean Lenovo users encounter the dreaded “Lenovo Stuck on Logo” problem – you power on your laptop, but it freezes on the Lenovo logo and never loads Windows. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive troubleshooting checklist to fix a Lenovo laptop that is stuck on the logo screen. We’ll start from quick, easy fixes and work up to advanced solutions, ensuring you get the maximum value from this article.
Why trust this guide? It’s prepared by Esmond Service Centre (ESC) – Singapore’s top-rated IT repair provider with over 15 years of hardware experience. Our team has encountered countless cases of Lenovo laptops hanging on the boot logo, and we’ve helped resolve them all. In the sections below, we share expert insights and proven fixes that you can try at home. From simple power-cycle tricks to BIOS resets and Windows recovery options, we’ll help you determine whether the issue is something you can fix yourself or if it’s time to seek professional help. (Hint: We also explain when a hardware fault – like bad RAM or motherboard – might be the culprit.)
By following this step-by-step guide, you can save time and frustration. Let’s dive into the solutions – and remember, if you’re in Singapore and need same-day assistance, Esmond Service Centre’s technicians are just a call away. We’ll mention more on that at the end.
The first things to check are often the simplest. External peripherals and minor power glitches can prevent your Lenovo from booting normally. In fact, external devices are a well-known cause of boot hang-ups – sometimes a USB drive or peripheral conflicts with the boot process. To address this:
Power Off and Remove Accessories: Shut down your laptop completely (hold the power button for 5+ seconds to force power off). Unplug all external devices – USB drives, external hard disks, SD cards, printers, external keyboards/mice, DVD/CDs, etc. These devices can interfere with the boot sequence. For example, if the system tries to boot from a plugged-in USB drive or a DVD, it might appear stuck on the logo. Remove everything except the charger.
Hard Reset (Power Drain): Now, perform a “power drain” to clear any residual charge. Disconnect the AC adapter (charger). If your Lenovo has a removable battery, take it out as well. Then press and hold the power button for ~10-15 seconds to fully discharge capacitors. (On newer models with non-removable batteries, just holding the power button while unplugged achieves a similar effect.) Wait another 30 seconds, then plug the AC adapter back in (and reinsert the battery if applicable). Power the laptop on again. This hard reset can resolve firmware hiccups or temporary conflicts that cause Lenovo stuck on logo issues.
Boot Up with No Peripherals: With all externals still disconnected, see if the laptop now boots past the logo. If it does, one of the peripherals was likely causing the conflict. You can then reconnect your devices one by one, restarting each time, to identify the culprit. (Common offenders include bootable USB sticks or malfunctioning devices.) Keep problematic devices disconnected or replace them.
Checking the health of the system’s SSD using a SMART diagnostic tool. A failing drive or corruption can cause boot hang-ups.
Stuck During Boot (Spinner Freezes): If you still see the Lenovo logo (possibly with a loading spinner) and it doesn’t proceed, observe any error messages or behaviors. No change after the power cycle? Move on to the next steps. However, if you hear abnormal beeping sounds on startup or the logo screen stays indefinitely, it might hint at hardware issues (like RAM). We’ll cover that later.
This quick checklist often resolves minor causes of a Lenovo laptop stuck on the Lenovo screen. Many readers report success after removing a USB drive or doing the hard reset – so don’t skip this simple but effective step! It’s the fastest way to rule out trivial issues before diving deeper.
If basic power cycling didn’t help, the next area to investigate is your BIOS/UEFI firmware settings. The BIOS is the first software that runs when your laptop powers on, and it controls the hardware initialization and boot process. Misconfigured BIOS settings or a recent change can lead to the Lenovo stuck on logo syndrome. For instance, if the BIOS boot order is wrong, your system might be trying to boot from a non-existent or secondary device, getting “stuck” at the logo waiting for instructions. Here’s how to address BIOS issues:
Enter BIOS Setup: Restart the laptop and immediately start tapping F1 or F2 (for many Lenovo models) as soon as the Lenovo logo appears. On some models, Delete or F12 is used – or the small Novo button on the side of the laptop. (Tip: Pressing the key repeatedly works better than holding it down.) You should reach the BIOS/UEFI setup screen – typically a blue or white text interface. If you cannot enter BIOS at all and it remains frozen on the logo, that’s a sign the problem might be deeper (possibly hardware). But assuming you can enter BIOS…
Load Default Settings: Once in BIOS, find the option to “Load Setup Defaults” or “Optimized Defaults” (often under an Exit or Setup menu). On many Lenovo BIOS, hitting F9 will load defaults, and F10 will save and exit. This action will reset BIOS settings to factory defaults. Why do this? Because if the BIOS was corrupted by a failed update or malware, it can cause the laptop to hang on the logo. Resetting to defaults often clears any problematic configuration causing the freeze. Don’t worry, this won’t harm your data – it just resets firmware settings like boot order, which you can adjust again if needed.
Verify Boot Order: After loading defaults, navigate to the Boot Order or Boot Priority menu in BIOS. Ensure your primary storage drive (the SSD or HDD with Windows installed) is listed as the first boot device. Many Lenovo laptops will list this as “Windows Boot Manager” under the boot devices – that should be the first entry. If something else (like “USB HDD” or “Network”) is first, it could cause the system to appear stuck on logo because it’s looking for an OS in the wrong place. Use the on-screen instructions (usually +/- keys or arrow keys and Enter) to set the correct drive first. Once done, press F10 to Save and Exit.
A typical BIOS/UEFI setup screen showing boot device priorities. Ensuring the correct boot order is crucial – the internal drive with Windows should be first in line.
UEFI vs Legacy Mode: While in BIOS, also check if there’s an option for UEFI/Legacy Boot. Modern Windows installations use UEFI mode. If someone changed this setting (e.g. to install another OS), a mismatch can prevent boot. Make sure the mode matches your installed OS (usually UEFI). If unsure, you can try switching the mode (UEFI <-> Legacy) as a test – just remember to revert if it doesn’t help. Only do this if you’re comfortable; an incorrect setting here can also trigger BitLocker on some systems (more on that below).
Save and Reboot: After correcting boot settings, save changes and reboot. See if the laptop now goes past the Lenovo logo. With the proper boot device set and defaults loaded, many boot problems resolve. For example, if a Lenovo was trying to network-boot (PXE) or boot from an empty DVD drive first, it might have hung at logo – but now it should proceed to load Windows from the SSD.
BitLocker Warning: Important: If your laptop has BitLocker encryption enabled (common on Windows 10/11 devices linked to a Microsoft account), resetting BIOS or changing boot mode might trigger a BitLocker recovery prompt on next boot. This isn’t a cause of the logo freeze per se, but it’s a “trap” to be aware of. You’ll need to enter your BitLocker recovery key to continue if prompted. Microsoft notes that any encrypted device will require the BitLocker key after firmware changes. So be sure you have access to your key (you can find it in your Microsoft account online or in any printout/USB you saved). If you don’t know it and BitLocker kicks in, you won’t be able to boot – so prepare beforehand. In short, have your BitLocker key handy before making BIOS changes.
By resetting BIOS and configuring the correct boot priorities, we eliminate a whole class of issues that cause Lenovo laptops to get stuck on the logo screen. In many cases, a corrupted BIOS (from a bad update) was the culprit and a reset fixed it. If your machine still doesn’t boot past the logo after this, we’ll need to look at the Windows side next.
If the hardware and BIOS steps above don’t get your Lenovo booting, it’s time to engage Windows Recovery Mode. Your laptop’s inability to get past the logo could be due to an OS-level problem – perhaps a corrupted system file, a bad driver, or a recent Windows update gone wrong. The good news is Windows has built-in recovery tools like Automatic Repair, Safe Mode, System Restore, and System File Checker (SFC) that can help fix boot issues. We’ll outline how to access these even when your Lenovo won’t boot normally:
Trigger Windows Recovery (WinRE): Typically, after 2–3 failed boot attempts, Windows should automatically load the Recovery Environment, showing a “Recovery/Automatic Repair” message or the blue menu with “Choose an option” (Continue, Troubleshoot, etc.). If your Lenovo is just stuck on the logo with no automatic repair, you can force it: Hold the power button to turn off the laptop during the logo boot, repeat this interrupt process twice or thrice in a row. The next startup should force Windows into recovery mode. On some Lenovos, pressing F11 during boot might also directly invoke recovery.
Using Recovery Menu: Once you see the “Choose an option” menu, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options. Here you have several tools:
Startup Repair: This automated tool will attempt to fix common boot issues. It’s a good first choice. (It may say it couldn’t fix anything – that’s okay, we then try other tools.)
System Restore: If you had System Restore points enabled, you can roll back Windows to a previous state (e.g., before that driver or update that might have caused the stuck logo problem). Choose a restore point from before the issue began and let it revert system files.
Command Prompt: This allows advanced fixes like running SFC /scannow (System File Checker) and CHKDSK. If you’re comfortable, open Command Prompt and try running sfc /scannow which will scan and repair corrupted system files. You might also run chkdsk C: /f to check the disk for errors (it will prompt to schedule on reboot).
Startup Settings (Safe Mode): This option will restart the PC and allow you to press a number to boot into Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers. If your Lenovo boots in Safe Mode but not normally, it suggests a bad driver or program is causing the hang. You can then uninstall any recently added drivers (e.g., graphics driver) or software in safe mode. To get to Safe Mode via Startup Settings, click “Startup Settings” and then Restart, then press 4 for basic Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking on the menu.
Windows 10/11 Advanced Options menu in the Recovery Environment, where you can run Startup Repair, access Safe Mode, use System Restore, or open a Command Prompt for advanced fixes.
Perform Repairs: Try Safe Mode first. If you successfully boot into Safe Mode, you can assume core hardware and OS are okay. While in Safe Mode:
Uninstall any recently installed software or Windows updates (check under Settings > Update & Security > View update history).
Update device drivers, especially for hardware that might hang at boot (graphics, etc.), or roll back a driver if you suspect it’s the culprit.
Run SFC as mentioned above (even from Safe Mode, you can run Command Prompt as admin and execute sfc /scannow). This can fix critical system files and has helped resolve cases of Lenovo laptops stuck on the boot logo due to corrupted OS files.
Run DISM if you suspect deeper corruption (DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth).
Automatic Repair Loop or None of These Work: If Windows Recovery itself is having trouble (for example, getting stuck or saying it can’t repair), don’t despair yet. You might consider using a Windows installation USB (Win10/Win11 media) to boot and access recovery tools. From a bootable USB, you can do the same things: run Startup Repair, or open a command prompt for bootrec commands (like bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /rebuildbcd) to repair the boot loader, as well as run SFC. This is a bit advanced, but it’s an option if the built-in recovery isn’t launching properly. (Microsoft provides guides to create a recovery USB; you’ll need another PC to create it.)
Factory Reset / Reinstall (Last Resort): If none of the above fixes the problem, you might consider a factory reset of Windows or a full OS reinstall. Most Lenovo laptops have a recovery partition (OneKey Recovery) or you can use the Windows “Reset this PC” option from the Troubleshoot menu to reinstall Windows. This can resolve stubborn software issues but use caution – choose the option to keep your files if possible, and ensure you have backups. Factory resetting will remove programs, so it’s a nuclear option. Only proceed if you’re prepared for that or have no other choice. (Or better yet, consult a professional to backup your data first.)
Outcome: After trying these recovery methods, in many cases the laptop will boot normally again. For instance, if a Windows update caused the boot freeze, System Restore will roll it back, and your Lenovo will pass the logo screen. If a driver was hanging, Safe Mode allows removal. And if the file system was corrupt, Startup Repair or SFC should fix it. These tools exist exactly to solve situations where Windows fails to start, which is essentially what Lenovo stuck on logo means.
If you manage to fix it at this stage – congratulations! Remember to run Windows Update and update your drivers once you’re back in Windows, to patch any known issues. Also, double-check your disk health (you can use a tool like CrystalDiskInfo as shown above, or Lenovo Diagnostics) to be sure a failing disk isn’t the underlying cause of the crash. If the problem persists, though, we need to consider storage quirks and hardware faults next.
Sometimes, the reason a Lenovo gets stuck on the logo screen is due to storage device problems or security features like BitLocker kicking in. Here are some storage-related scenarios to consider:
Drive Not Detected: If your SSD or hard drive isn’t being detected properly, the system may hang at the logo (essentially waiting for a drive response that isn’t there). You can check this in the BIOS setup – see if the drive (usually listed by model or as “HDD0” or similar) appears. If No Drive is listed, that’s a red flag the drive might be disconnected or failed. A loose connection (especially if the laptop was dropped or serviced recently) could cause this. In such cases, reseating or replacing the drive is needed – a task for a repair technician if you’re not comfortable opening the laptop. If the drive is listed in BIOS but Windows won’t load, the issue could be logical (corrupted boot sector) rather than the drive being entirely dead.
Corrupted Boot Sector or OS: A drive with corrupted boot files can lead to the hang. We touched on using bootrec and Startup Repair in the previous section – those are aimed at exactly this. Running the bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /rebuildbcd from a recovery command prompt (via a Windows USB or WinRE) can rebuild the boot configuration data if it was corrupted. Likewise, if the partition itself has errors, a chkdsk scan might repair it. If these terms sound too technical, don’t worry – the key point is that sometimes the Windows installation on the SSD is damaged, causing the freeze, and it may require advanced repair or reinstallation to fix.
BitLocker & Encryption Issues: As mentioned earlier, BitLocker (or other disk encryption) can present a “trap”. Here’s a typical scenario: your Lenovo’s SSD is BitLocker-encrypted (common on modern Windows 10/11 out-of-the-box). You just did a BIOS reset (or perhaps changed a BIOS setting, or updated the TPM firmware). On next boot, BitLocker detects a change in system state and prevents the OS from loading until the correct recovery key is entered. To the less-experienced eye, this might look like it’s just stuck on the Lenovo logo or a black screen with some cryptic text. In reality, the system is waiting for input (the recovery key) – sometimes it does show a recovery prompt, but depending on display or if the prompt is behind the logo screen, users can be confused. The takeaway: if you’ve made changes and now it won’t boot, check if a BitLocker recovery screen is hiding there (try pressing Enter – if it prompts for a key, there’s your answer). Always have your BitLocker recovery key accessible when troubleshooting boot issues. Entering the key will unlock the drive and allow boot. (After that, you can suspend BitLocker protection temporarily in Windows settings before future BIOS tweaks.)
Lenovo Service Engine (LSE): Specific to some Lenovo models (from 2014-2015 era), there’s a BIOS feature called Lenovo Service Engine that could cause boot issues if malfunctioning. This is a niche “trap” – basically LSE was designed to send some data to Lenovo on first internet connect, but it was found to have security issues. On affected models, it might rarely cause boot hangs. The solution is to disable LSE in BIOS. This likely won’t apply to most users (only older models), but worth noting if you’ve tried everything and have an older Lenovo stuck on logo – check BIOS for Lenovo Service Engine and disable it. It’s not critical for operation. (There was even a Lenovo official update to remove LSE entirely.)
Diagnostics for SSD/HDD: If you suspect the drive itself is failing (perhaps you heard clicking, or the laptop was getting blue screens before), consider running a hardware diagnostic. Lenovo has a built-in Diagnostics Tool in many models (pressing F10 or selecting it from the boot menu). This can test the storage device for errors. You can also remove the drive and test it in another machine or use third-party tools. A failing drive can definitely cause boot freezes – the system might be trying to read bad sectors. If diagnostics report drive issues or S.M.A.R.T. warnings (as shown in the image above, where a tool reports drive health), you’ll likely need to replace the drive and reinstall Windows. The good news: if it was just the drive, replacing it and restoring your data from backup (or from the old drive if data is recoverable) will solve the issue for good.
In summary, don’t overlook storage factors when dealing with a Lenovo stuck on the boot logo. Ensure the BIOS sees your drive, rule out encryption lockouts, and verify the drive’s health. If you’re not sure how to do these, it might be time to consult a professional (especially for data safety – you don’t want to accidentally wipe an encrypted drive without a key, for example).
You’ve tried all the above and your Lenovo laptop is still stuck on the logo screen? At this point, we likely have to consider a deeper hardware issue. Unfortunately, a machine can freeze during the early boot (before Windows loads) due to failing components. Here are some hardware culprits and how to identify them:
RAM (Memory) Issues: Bad or improperly seated RAM can cause a system to hang at POST (Power-On Self-Test), often manifesting as a frozen logo or blank screen with beeps. If you’re tech-savvy, you can try re-seating the RAM modules. Power off, remove battery and charger, discharge, then open the RAM hatch. Reseat (or swap out) the memory modules. If your laptop has two sticks, try booting with one at a time – a bad RAM stick can prevent boot. Memory problems can be intermittent; if you suspect this, running a memory diagnostic (if you can get into BIOS or boot from a memtest USB) might confirm it. Warning: opening the laptop may void warranty, so only proceed if you’re comfortable and the laptop is out of warranty.
Motherboard or BIOS Chip Fault: A defective motherboard can definitely cause the system to lock at the logo. This could be due to a short, a blown capacitor, or a corrupted BIOS chip. If your laptop had liquid damage or electrical surge, it could have damaged the board. These issues are hard to diagnose without professional tools. One sign might be if the laptop randomly freezes at the logo sometimes, but not always, or if the logo freeze started after an event (power surge, etc.). In such cases, a motherboard repair or replacement might be needed. A skilled technician can sometimes reflash the BIOS or repair the board at component level.
Overheating / Fan Failure: Usually a bad fan or overheating would cause shutdowns later in boot, not necessarily a freeze right at startup. However, some Lenovo models will halt boot if they detect a fan malfunction to prevent damage. For example, if the cooling fan isn’t spinning at startup, the BIOS might stop at logo and throw a fan error (or sometimes just freeze). Listen for your fan when you power on. If you hear a loud abnormal noise or nothing at all (and usually you did before), the fan might be jammed or dead. Replacing a fan is typically not too expensive, but requires opening the laptop. Overheating of the CPU/GPU right at startup is less likely unless the heatsink was removed or something – but it’s worth ensuring the vents are clean.
Peripheral Hardware (WiFi card, etc.): On rare occasions, an internal device like a faulty WiFi card or keyboard could cause boot issues (especially if causing a BIOS hang). This is uncommon, but if you recently tinkered or upgraded internal components, consider reversing those changes and see if it boots.
Indicators to Watch: Does the laptop’s Caps Lock or Num Lock key respond (lights toggling) when stuck? If yes, the system isn’t completely locked up – it’s likely an OS issue. If no, the system is hung at a low level – likely hardware. Also, check if you can boot from a USB drive (like a Linux Live USB). If even that won’t proceed and freezes, it’s more evidence of hardware fault (because you’ve ruled out the Windows installation).
At this stage, if you suspect hardware and you’re not equipped to fix it yourself, it’s time to seek professional help. A qualified technician can perform diagnostics to pinpoint the failing component. For example, at Esmond Service Centre in Singapore, our engineers use specialized tools to test motherboard voltages, swap RAM/CPU for testing, and isolate the problem. Common repairs for a no-boot scenario include RAM replacement, board repair, or even CPU/GPU reflow if needed. The turnaround for such hardware diagnostics is typically 1–3 working days, and many issues (like RAM or fan replacements) can be done same-day.
The good news is that once the faulty part is repaired or replaced, your Lenovo will no longer be stuck on the logo – it will POST correctly and load Windows. We’ve helped customers whose laptops had seemingly “died” at the logo stage get their machines running like new again with a simple hardware fix.
👉 Pro Tip: If your laptop is under warranty, contact Lenovo support for hardware service. If it’s out of warranty or you want a faster solution, local repair centres (like us) can often diagnose within hours. Always back up important data (or ask the techs to help retrieve data) before major repairs, just in case.
By now, you should have a clearer idea of why your Lenovo was stuck on the logo screen and how to fix it. We’ve covered a thorough range of solutions – from quick DIY fixes to deeper technical interventions. Here’s a quick recap of the key troubleshooting steps and takeaways:
Power Cycle & Disconnect: Start with the basics – perform a hard reset/power drain and remove all external devices. This simple step resolves many cases where peripherals or a residual charge were halting the boot. Always rule out the easy stuff first!
Reset BIOS to Defaults: A corrupted or misconfigured BIOS is a common culprit for the “Lenovo Stuck on Logo” problem. Loading BIOS defaults and ensuring the correct boot disk is first in boot order can quickly fix boot stalls caused by wrong settings. Remember to note any custom BIOS settings you may need to restore (like virtualization or RAID mode) after the reset.
Leverage Windows Recovery: If hardware seems fine, use Windows’ built-in recovery options. Boot into Safe Mode to disable problematic drivers or software, run Startup Repair, and use System Restore if available. These tools are designed to fix issues when Windows fails to boot properly – exactly our situation. Many users find that after running these, their Lenovo boots past the logo normally (especially if a software update was at fault).
Be Mindful of Encryption: If your drive is BitLocker-encrypted, be prepared for the recovery key prompt after making system changes. Having your BitLocker key ready can save you from a panicked moment when the laptop asks for it. It’s a trap that’s easy to step into during troubleshooting – but now you’re aware!
Check Storage Health: An unhealthy SSD/HDD can manifest as boot freezes. Use diagnostic tools to check your drive’s SMART status (or Lenovo’s built-in diagnostics). If you see warnings or the drive isn’t detected, address that hardware issue (replace the drive if needed) and your boot issue will likely be resolved. Always keep backups of your data, as a failing drive can cause sudden boot problems.
Know When It’s Hardware: We’ve emphasized how to discern a deeper hardware issue. If you’ve tried all software fixes and the Lenovo still freezes on the logo, odds are a component like RAM or the motherboard is at fault. This is when to contact professionals. The upside is that hardware issues can be fixed – whether it’s reseating memory or repairing the system board – and your laptop can be restored to working order. Don’t lose hope if it comes to this.
In essence, most “Lenovo Stuck on Logo” cases are fixable with the right approach. We encourage you to follow this checklist methodically. You might be pleasantly surprised that your laptop springs back to life after a simple peripheral unplug or BIOS tweak. And if not, you now have the knowledge to get appropriate help without guessing in the dark.
We hope you found this troubleshooting guide helpful. If you did, or if you have other tips to share, we’d love to hear from you – join the conversation below or reach out to us directly. Your experience might help another reader in the future!
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Still stuck or not comfortable trying the fixes? If you’re in Singapore, Esmond Service Centre has your back. Our friendly experts offer same-day diagnostics and repairs for Lenovo laptops that won’t boot. In most cases, we usually can identify the fault within hours and complete the repair the same day. Whether it’s a failing SSD, bad RAM, or a motherboard issue, we have the tools and experience to get your laptop running again—fast.
Don’t let a “Lenovo Stuck on Logo” issue disrupt your productivity – book a visit or come down to Esmond Service Centre in Singapore for a swift resolution. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing, a huge inventory of replacement parts, and a track record of success with even the toughest cases. Let us help you bring your beloved Lenovo back to life! Your same-day solution is just a call or click away. 😊
Reviewed and originally published by Esmond Service Centre on October 31, 2025
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