Lenovo Thinkcentre M720q Bios Password | Reset

To reset the BIOS password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q, you must use the physical Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard. Standard methods like removing the CMOS battery are often ineffective because these models store passwords in non-volatile memory. BIOS Password Reset Procedure

Follow these steps to clear a lost or forgotten BIOS password: Preparation:

Power off the computer and disconnect the power cord and all cables.

Remove the computer cover to access the internal components. Locate the Jumper:

Find the Clear CMOS / Recovery jumper (labeled as JP35 or SW_CLR_CMOS) on the system board.

It is typically located in the top corner near the rear ports or Wi-Fi antenna area. Clear the Password:

Identify the current jumper position (standard is usually pins 1 and 2).

Move the jumper to the maintenance/clear position (pins 2 and 4 or pins 2 and 3, depending on your specific board layout).

Crucial Step: Some users report that removing the RAM on the backside is necessary for the reset to trigger on certain Tiny models. Power Cycle: Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer.

Wait for a series of beeps (usually 4–5 series or a double beep) indicating the CMOS has been cleared.

Power off the system by holding the power button for about 5 seconds. Restore Settings: Unplug the power cord again. Move the jumper back to its original position. Reinstall the RAM (if removed) and the computer cover. Verify: Reconnect all cables and power on the computer.

Repeatedly tap F1 to enter the BIOS menu. The password should now be cleared. Important Considerations

Supervisor Passwords: If a Supervisor Password was set and these hardware steps do not work, the password may be stored in a TPM or security chip that cannot be cleared by simple jumpers.

Official Support: If you cannot clear the password using the jumper, Lenovo Support generally recommends a motherboard replacement for security reasons.

Data Safety: This process resets BIOS settings to factory defaults but does not erase data on your hard drive. lenovo thinkcentre m720q bios password reset

Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS) - Lenovo

Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q BIOS Password Reset: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you locked out of your Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q due to a forgotten BIOS password? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of resetting the BIOS password on your Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q.

What is a BIOS password?

The BIOS password, also known as the UEFI firmware password, is a security feature that protects your computer from unauthorized access. It's a password that's stored in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) chip on your motherboard, and it's used to prevent others from accessing your computer's settings or booting from unauthorized devices.

Why do I need to reset the BIOS password?

If you've forgotten your BIOS password, you won't be able to access your computer's settings or make changes to the BIOS. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to make changes to the boot order or disable secure boot. Resetting the BIOS password will allow you to regain access to your computer's settings and make the necessary changes.

Method 1: Resetting the BIOS password using the built-in reset jumper

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q has a built-in reset jumper that allows you to reset the BIOS password. Here's how to do it:

  1. Shut down your computer: Make sure your computer is turned off.
  2. Locate the reset jumper: Open your computer's case and locate the reset jumper on the motherboard. It's usually labeled as "CLR_CMOS" or "RTC_RST".
  3. Move the jumper: Move the jumper from its current position to the reset position. This will typically involve moving a small jumper cap from one pin to another.
  4. Wait for 10 seconds: Wait for 10 seconds to allow the BIOS to reset.
  5. Move the jumper back: Move the jumper back to its original position.
  6. Turn on your computer: Turn on your computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F1 or F2). The BIOS password should now be reset.

Method 2: Resetting the BIOS password using a third-party tool

If you're not comfortable with opening up your computer's case or can't find the reset jumper, you can use a third-party tool to reset the BIOS password. One popular tool is Hiren's BootCD.

  1. Download Hiren's BootCD: Download the ISO file from the Hiren's BootCD website.
  2. Create a bootable USB: Create a bootable USB drive using the ISO file.
  3. Boot from the USB: Boot your computer from the USB drive.
  4. Run the BIOS password reset tool: Run the BIOS password reset tool (usually found in the "Tools" or "Utilities" section).
  5. Follow the prompts: Follow the prompts to reset the BIOS password.

Method 3: Contacting Lenovo support

If you're not comfortable with trying the above methods or if they don't work for you, you can contact Lenovo support for assistance. They may be able to provide you with a BIOS password reset procedure or offer additional guidance.

Conclusion

Resetting the BIOS password on your Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q is a relatively straightforward process. By using the built-in reset jumper or a third-party tool, you can regain access to your computer's settings and make the necessary changes. If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to contact Lenovo support for assistance.

Disclaimer

We are not responsible for any damage that may occur during the BIOS password reset process. It's always a good idea to back up your data and ensure that you have a way to recover your computer in case something goes wrong.

Additional resources

How to Reset the BIOS Password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

Locked out of your BIOS settings? Whether you've forgotten a supervisor password or bought a used unit with a pre-set lock, resetting the BIOS on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q

requires a hardware-level intervention. Standard software "factory resets" will not clear a BIOS-level supervisor password. Core Method: The Maintenance Jumper Reset

The most effective way to clear a forgotten BIOS password on the

is by using the Clear CMOS (Maintenance) Jumper located on the system board. Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the System: Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord, and remove any external cables. Open the Chassis: Slide off the computer cover to access the motherboard.

Locate the Jumper: Find the JP35 jumper block on the system board. On many

models, this is near the top-left corner or close to the Wi-Fi antenna.

Move the Jumper: The jumper is typically on pins 6-5 (standard position). Move it to pins 2-4 (maintenance position).

Tip: Some users report that removing the RAM from the backside is also critical during this specific boot process for the password to clear fully. To reset the BIOS password on a Lenovo

Power On: Reconnect the power cord and turn the computer on. You will hear a series of 4-5 beeps (or double beeps), indicating the CMOS is clearing.

Reset to Default: Turn off the computer and disconnect the power. Move the jumper back to its original position (pins 6-5).

Verify: Reassemble the cover and power on. Tap F1 or Fn+F1 during startup to enter the BIOS. The password prompt should no longer appear. Alternatives and Notes Set, change, and remove a password - Lenovo

6. User Interface (UI) Mockup Description

Screen 1: Identification

Screen 2: The Halt

Screen 3: Verification

Screen 4: Execution

3) CMOS/RTC battery and CMOS clear headers — usually NOT effective for modern Lenovo desktops

Older desktops stored BIOS passwords in CMOS and could be cleared by removing the CMOS battery or using a jumper. Modern Lenovo ThinkCentre models often store passwords in firmware NVRAM or on the motherboard’s embedded controller; removing power or the CMOS battery typically will not clear a supervisor or power-on password.

However, a safe checklist if you want to try:

  1. Power down, unplug, disconnect all external devices.
  2. Open the case (observe ESD precautions).
  3. Locate the CMOS/RTC battery and any labeled “CLR_CMOS” or “PASSWORD” jumpers.
  4. If a jumper explicitly labeled for clearing password exists, follow the motherboard manual instructions (move jumper, power on briefly, move back).
  5. If only the coin cell is present, remove it for at least 10–30 minutes (some recommend longer). Reassemble and test.

Caveat: On M720q this often won’t help because passwords are stored in non-volatile firmware.

3. Windows-Based Reset (If you can boot to OS)

If the password only locks entering setup (F1), but the PC boots to Windows, you can sometimes issue a command to clear the BIOS to defaults:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type: powershell "Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS -Namespace root\cimv2 | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name SetPowerState -ArgumentList 12" Note: This resets settings, but rarely clears a master password.

2) Try software or firmware-level recovery (when you can boot)

If you can access the BIOS setup or boot, and the problem is a forgotten supervisor password but Windows still boots, consider:

Do not use untrusted third-party “BIOS password removers” — these can be malware, brick hardware, or produce incorrect results.