Lenovo Ideapad 720-15IKB Laptop User Guide

: June 16, 2024
: Lenovo

Table of Contents

Lenovo Ideapad 720-15IKB Laptop
Getting to know your computer
- Using the keyboard
Function key combinations
Bottom view
Starting to use Windows 10
Connecting to a wireless network
Recovery system
Troubleshooting
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Lenovo Ideapad 720-15IKB Laptop

Read the safety notices and important tips in the included manuals before using your computer.

Notes

Before using the product, be sure to read Lenovo Safety and General Information Guide first.
The latest electronic compliance and environmental information are available from the Lenovo compliance information Web sites.
- To view compliance information go to:
  http://www.lenovo.com/compliance
- To download environmental information go to:
  http://www.lenovo.com/ecodeclaration
Some instructions in this guide may assume that you are using Windows® 10. If you are using another Windows operating system, some operations may be slightly different. If you are using other operating systems, some operations may not apply to you.
The features described in this guide are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer or your computer may include features that are not described in this user guide.
The illustrations in this manual may differ from the actual product. The screenshots of the operating system are for reference only. Please refer to the actual product.

Regulatory Notice

For details, refer to Guides & Manuals at http://support.lenovo.com.

First Edition (April 2017) © Copyright Lenovo 2017.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered under a General Services Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions outlined in Contract No. GS-35F-05925.

Getting to know your computer

Top view

Note: The dashed areas indicate parts that are not visible externally.

Attention

Do not open the display panel beyond 170 degrees. When closing the display panel, be careful not to leave pens or any other objects in between the display panel and the keyboard. Otherwise, the display panel may be damaged.

Integrated camera
Use the camera for video communication.
Built-in microphone
Capture sound which can be used for video conferencing, voice narration, or audio recording.
Computer display
The LCD with LED backlight provides brilliant visual output.
Wireless LAN antennas
Connect to a wireless LAN adapter to send and receive wireless radio signals.
Ventilation slots
Dissipate internal heat.
Note: Make sure that none of the ventilation slots are blocked, or else overheating of the computer may occur.
Power Key
Press this key to turn on/off the computer. By default, when the computer is on, press and hold this key for more than 1 second, the computer will enter sleep mode, press and hold it for more than 5 seconds, the computer will be turned off.
Fingerprint reader (on select models)
Registers fingerprints that can be used as passwords to secure your computer.
Touchpad
The touchpad functions as a conventional mouse.
- Touch pad: To move the pointer on the screen, slide your fingertip over the pad in the direction in which you want the pointer to move.
- Touch pad buttons: The functions of the left/right side correspond to those of the left/right mouse button on a conventional mouse.

Note: You can enable/disable the touch pad by pressing F6 ( ).

Using the keyboard
Your computer has number keys and function keys and may also have a numeric keypad incorporated into its standard keyboard.

Numeric keypad
The keyboard has a separate numeric keypad. To enable or disable the numeric keypad, press the Num Lock key.

Using the keyboard

Hotkeys
You can access certain system settings quickly by pressing the appropriate hotkeys.

Note: If you changed the Hotkey Mode from Enabled to Disabled in the BIOS setup utility, you will need to press the Fn key in combination with the appropriate hotkey.

Function key combinations

Through the use of the function keys, you can change operational features instantly. To use this function, press and hold Fn 1; then press one of the function keys 2.

The following describes the features of each function key.

Left-side view

AC power adapter jack
- Connects to the AC power adapter.
Battery/Charging status indicator
RJ-45 port Connects the computer to an Ethernet network.
USB port Connects to USB devices.
Notes:
- The black port supports USB 3.0.
- For details, see “Connecting USB devices” on.
HDMI port Connects to devices with HDMI input such as a TV or a display.
Type-C port Type-C port support: USB 3.0
Combo audio jack Connects to headsets.
Notes
- The combo audio jack does not support conventional microphones.
- The recording function may not be supported if third-party headphones or headsets are connected, due to different industry standards.
Power status indicator

Connecting network cables
To insert a network cable, do the following:

Hold one connector of the network cable to press the RJ-45 cover down gently 1.
Insert the connector into the RJ-45 port 2.

Software configuration
Consult your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for details on how to configure your computer.

Connecting USB devices
You can connect a USB device to your computer by inserting its USB plug (Type A) into the USB port on your computer.

The first time you plug a USB device into a particular USB port on your computer, Windows automatically installs a driver for that device. After the driver has been installed, you can disconnect and reconnect the device without performing any additional steps.

Note: Typically, Windows detects a new device after it has been connected, and then installs the driver automatically. However, some devices may require you to install the driver before connecting. Check the documentation provided by the device’s manufacturer before connecting the device.

Before disconnecting a USB storage device, make sure your computer has finished transferring data to that device. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon in the Windows notification area to remove the device before disconnecting.

Note: If your USB device uses a power cord, connect the device to a power source before connecting it. Otherwise, the device may not be recognized.

Using memory cards (not supplied)
Your computer supports the following types of memory cards:

Secure Digital (SD) card
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) card
SD eXtended Capacity (SDXC) card
MultiMediaCard (MMC)

Notes

Insert only one card in the slot at a time.
This card reader does not support SDIO devices (e.g., SDIO Bluetooth, etc.).

Inserting a memory card
Insert the memory card until it touches the bottom of the slot. Removing a memory card

Gently pull the memory card
out of the memory card slot.

Note: Before removing the memory card, disable it by using the Windows safely remove hardware and eject media utility to avoid data corruption.

Right-side view

Novo button
When the computer is off, press this button to start the System Recovery or the BIOS setup utility, or to enter the boot menu.

Memory card slot
Insert memory cards (not supplied) here.

Note: For details, see “Using memory cards (not supplied)” on.

Notes:

The black port supports USB 3.0.
For details, see “Connecting USB devices” on.

Kensington Security slot
Attach a security lock (not supplied) here to help protect your computer from theft and unauthorized use. You can attach a security lock to your computer to help prevent it from being removed without your permission. For details on installing the security lock, please refer to the instructions shipped with the security lock that you have purchased.

Notes

Before purchasing any security product, verify that it is compatible with this type of security keyhole.
You are responsible for evaluating, selecting, and implementing the locking devices and security features. Lenovo offers no comment, judgment, or warranty regarding the function, quality, or performance of locking devices and security features.

Bottom view

Speakers
- Provide audio output.
Ventilation slots
- Dissipate internal heat.
  Note: Make sure that none of the ventilation slots are blocked, or else overheating of the computer may occur.

Starting to use Windows 10

Configuring the operating system for the first time

You may need to configure the operating system when it is first used. The configuration process may include the procedures below:

Accepting the end-user license agreement
Configuring the Internet connection
Registering the operating system
Creating a user account

Operating system interfaces

The Start menu

If you click the Start button in the lower-left corner, the Start menu is displayed.

To open the start menu, do one of the following:

Select the Start button in the lower-left corner, the Start menu is displayed.
Press the Windows key on the keyboard.

The power button is on the Start menu, select it you can choose to shut down or restart the computer, or put the computer into sleep mode.

Through the Start menu, you can locate all the installed apps or view the frequently used apps.

The ACTION CENTER
Select the ACTION CENTER icon on the taskbar and the ACTION CENTER is displayed.

From the ACTION CENTER, you can examine important notifications from Windows and your apps. Moreover, you can change common settings quickly.

Task View in taskbar
In Windows 10, you can add a new desktop and switch between different desktops. To add a new desktop, do the following:

Select the Task View icon in the taskbar area.
Select New desktop.

To switch between desktops, select the Task View icon , then select your desired desktop.

Also, you can manage apps in the multitasking view:

Select the Task View button to display all apps in use on the screen.
Select to enter the apps or close the apps.

Putting the computer to sleep or shutting it down

When you have finished working with your computer, you can put it to sleep or shut it down.

Putting your computer to sleep
If you will be away from your computer for only a short time, put the computer to sleep. When the computer is in sleep mode, you can quickly wake it to resume use, bypassing the startup process. To put the computer to sleep, do one of the following:

Close the display lid.
Press and hold the Power key for about 1 to 5 seconds.
Select the Start button, then select Power → Sleep.

Note: Put your computer to sleep before you move it. Moving your computer while the hard disk drive is spinning can damage the hard disk, causing loss of data.

To wake up the computer, perform the following:

Press any key on the keyboard.

Shutting down the computer
If you are not going to use your computer for a long time, shut it down. To shut down your computer, do one of the following:

Select the Start button, then select Power → Shut down.
Right-click or press the Start button in the lower-left corner and select Shut down or sign out → Shut down.

Connecting to a wireless network

Enabling wireless connection
To enable wireless functions, do one of the following:

Select the ACTION CENTER icon in the notification area, and then deselect Airplane mode.
Press to disable airplane mode.
Select Settings → Network & Internet → Airplane mode to open the network configuration page. Then toggle the airplane mode switch to Off.

Connecting to a wireless network
After wireless has been enabled, the computer will automatically scan for available wireless networks and display them in the wireless network list. To connect to a wireless network, click the network name in the list, and then click Connect.

Note: Some networks require a network security key or passphrase for connection. To connect to one of those networks, ask the network administrator or the Internet service provider (ISP) for the security key or passphrase .

Get help from Windows
If you have a problem with the operating system, see the Windows Get Started app. To open it, do the following:

Move the cursor to the lower-left corner, and then select the Start button. Select Get Started from All apps.

Recovery system

Lenovo provides a Lenovo OneKey Recovery system or Push-button reset for system recovery, which depends on the pre-installed software. Refer to the actual product. You can perform either to start the system recovery.

Lenovo OneKey Recovery system

The Lenovo OneKey Recovery system is software designed to back up and restore your computer. You can use it to restore the system partition to its original status in case of a system failure. You can also create user backups for easy restoration as required.

Notes

If your computer is preinstalled with a GNU/Linux operating system, the OneKey Recovery system is not available.
To utilize the features of the OneKey Recovery system, your hard disk already includes a hidden partition by default to store the system image file and the OneKey Recovery system program files. This default partition is hidden for security reasons, which explains why the available disk space is less than the stated capacity.

Backing up the system partition
You can back up the system partition to an image file. This image file can be used to restore the system partition. To back up the system partition:

In Windows, press the Novo button or double-click the OneKey Recovery icon to start the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system.
Click System Backup.
Select a backup location and click Next to start the backup.

Notes

You can choose a backup location on the local hard disk drive or an external storage device.
Remove the removable hard disk drive before starting the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system. Otherwise, data from the removable hard disk drive might be lost.
The back-up process may take a while.
The back-up process is only available when Windows can be started normally.

Restoring
You can choose to restore the system partition to its original status or to a previously created back-up point. To restore the system partition:

In Windows, press the Novo button or double-click OneKey Recovery icon to start the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system.
Click System Recovery. The computer will restart to the recovery environment.
Follow the on-screen instructions to restore the system partition to its original status or to a previously created back-up point.

Notes:

The recovery process is irreversible. Make sure to back up any data you wish to save on the system partition before starting the recovery process.
The recovery process may take a while. So be sure to connect the AC power adapter to your computer during the recovery process.
The above instructions should be followed when Windows can be started normally.

If Windows cannot be started, then follow the steps below to start the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system:

Shut down the computer.
Press the Novo button. From the Novo Button Menu, select System Recovery and press Enter.

Push-button reset
Push-button reset is a built-in recovery tool that enables users to restore their operating system to its original state. This preserves their data and important customizations, without the need to back up their data in advance. The following Push-button reset features are available to users from multiple locations within Windows:

Refreshing the computer
Fixes software problems by reinstalling the factory default configuration. This preserves the user’s data, important settings, and any Windows Store apps previously purchased from the Windows Store.

Resetting the computer
Prepares the computer for recycling or transfer of ownership. This reinstalls the factory default configuration and returns all user data and applications to the state of their original Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).

Using Push-button reset
Push-button reset can be launched using one of the following methods:

Novo button: -Shut down the computer and wait at least five seconds. Press the Novo button and then select System Recovery.
Settings: -Settings → Update & security → Recovery → Advanced startup → select Restart now. For more instructions, see the Windows Help and Support file on your computer.

When I purchased my computer, it included a copy of Windows. How can I determine whether the copy of Windows is preinstalled by Lenovo?
On the outside of the sales package of your computer, you should find a label containing configuration information for your computer. Check the printed string next to OS. If it contains Windows or WIN, the copy of Windows was preinstalled by Lenovo.

What is the Recovery Partition?
If your computer is preinstalled with any version of Windows 10, the storage device of your computer contains a Recovery Partition. This partition contains the image file of the preinstalled Windows operating system. In cases of system failure, you can use the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system or the Windows Reset feature to restore the operating system to its factory status.

Note: The Recovery Partition is not assigned a drive letter and cannot be accessed through Windows File Explorer.

I uninstalled a preinstalled software, but there is no significant increase in the free drive space.
The copy of Windows running on your computer may be Compact technology enabled. For computers with Compact technology-enabled Windows, the majority of files needed for preinstalled software are installed on the Recovery Partition and won’t be deleted through normal uninstallation.

What happens if I attempt to delete or modify the Recovery Partition?

Attention: Do not delete or modify the Recovery Partition on a Compact technology-enabledcomputer. If the Recovery Partition is deleted or modified, you may not be able to restore Windows to the factory status. For computer models on which Compact technology is enabled, deleting the Recovery Partition may cause Windows to fail to start.

How can I determine whether the Windows running on my computer is Compact technology enabled?

Compact technology is normally enabled on copies of Windows 10 Update running on SSD (or eMMC) -only computer models. To check your computer,

Right-click the Start button in the lower-left corner and select Disk Management.
The Disk Management program starts.

If Wim Boot is labelled on the Windows partition (as illustrated), Compact technology is enabled on your copy of Windows.

Where can I find drivers for the various hardware devices of my computer?
If your computer is preinstalled with a Windows operating system, first check the installation program on the D partition of your hard disk (for select models, on the C partition). If you cannot find the drivers for all the hardware devices that you need there, download the drivers from the Lenovo consumer support website.

Note: The Lenovo support Web site contains the latest drivers.

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions
This section lists frequently asked questions by category.

Finding information

What safety precautions should I follow when using my computer?
The Lenovo Safety and General Information Guide which came with your computer contains safety precautions for using your computer. Read and follow all the precautions when using your computer.

Where can I find the hardware specifications for my computer?
You can find hardware specification for your computer on the printed flyers which came with your computer.

Where can I find warranty information?
For the warranty applicable to your computer, including the warranty period and type of warranty service, see the Lenovo limited warranty flyer that came with your computer.

Drivers and preinstalled software

Where are the installation discs for Lenovo preinstalled software (desktop software)?
Your computer does not come with installation discs for Lenovo preinstalled software. If you need to reinstall any preinstalled software, you can find the installation program on the D partition of your hard disk (for select models, on the C partition). If you cannot find the installation program there, you can also download it from the Lenovo consumer support website.

Where can I find drivers for the various hardware devices of my computer?
If your computer is preinstalled with a Windows operating system, Lenovo provides drivers for all the hardware devices that you need on the D partition of your hard disk (for select models, on the C partition). You can also download the latest device drivers from the Lenovo consumer support website.

Recovery system

Where are the recovery discs?
Your computer did not come with recovery discs. Use the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system or Push-button reset if you need to restore the system to its factory status.

What can I do if the backup process fails?
If you can start the backup but it fails during the backup process, try the following steps:

Close all open programs, and then restart the backup process.
Check to see if the destination media is damaged. Select another path and then try again.

When do I need to restore the system to its factory status?
Use this feature when the operating system fails to start up. If there is critical data on the system partition, back it up before starting recovery.

BIOS setup utility

What is the BIOS setup utility?
The BIOS setup utility is ROM-based software. It displays basic computer information and provides options for setting boot devices, security, hardware mode, and other preferences.

How can I start the BIOS setup utility?
To start the BIOS setup utility:

Shut down the computer.
Press the Novo button and then select BIOS Setup.

How can I change the boot mode?
There are two boot modes: UEFI and Legacy Support. To change the boot mode, start the BIOS setup utility and set boot mode to UEFI or Legacy Support on the boot menu.

When do I need to change the boot mode?
The default boot mode for your computer is UEFI mode. If you need to install a legacy operating system, such as Windows, Linux or DOS, etc (that is, any operating system before Windows 8) on your computer, you must change the boot mode to Legacy Support. The legacy operating system, such as Windows, Linux or Dos, etc cannot be installed if you don’t change the boot mode.

Getting help

How can I contact the customer support center?
See “Chapter 3. Getting help and service” of Lenovo Safety and General Information Guide.

Trademarks
The following terms are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries, or both. Lenovo OneKey Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. Other company, products, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.