I recently installed Linux Mint on my Lenovo Legion laptop while trying to troubleshoot some audio issues. Turns out, the problem was not related to the operating system. However, I'm not really enjoying the Linux experience because many of my essential programs aren't compatible or require extra installations. Now, I'm stuck with a messed-up boot process and can't even access the BIOS to install Windows. Is there a way I can wipe my hard drive completely and install Windows afterwards without paying?
4 Answers
Remember, your BIOS is still functioning; it wouldn’t run the PC otherwise. Just make sure you're pressing the right button at the right time. Also, keep in mind that Windows isn't free, but you can find affordable keys online. You can run it unactivated for a while if you're fine with that.
If it's an option, remove your boot drive temporarily. This should prompt the BIOS to open since there’s nothing else to boot from. After you access BIOS, set the USB as the default boot device, reconnect the hard drive, and then proceed to install Windows.
You can create a bootable USB with Windows installation media. Just boot from that USB and you should be able to install Windows. But make sure your laptop detects the USB first.
I tried booting from the USB, but it doesn’t seem to recognize it at all.
Make sure your BIOS is actually accessible. Sometimes, it might just boot too quickly. You can try repeatedly pressing common keys like F10 or Del as soon as you turn it on. If that fails, try physically removing the hard drive before starting the laptop; it should lead you straight to BIOS options. From there, you can set your USB drive as the primary boot device and install Windows.
If I hit any F key while booting, it just says checking media and then I get an error code. It loops a few times before actually booting up. Plus, how do I wipe my hard drive clean?
Sure, you can definitely run it without activating for a decent time, or possibly indefinitely if you're not too worried about licensing etiquette.