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:
If you're comfortable with opening your computer's case and working with internal components, you can reset the BIOS password using a jumper on the motherboard.
Warning: Before attempting this method, make sure you have a good understanding of working with computer hardware and take anti-static precautions to prevent damage to your computer's components.
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.
If you want, I can provide the M720q hardware maintenance manual steps for locating CMOS/jumpers or a checklist for safely removing the drive for data recovery.
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.
Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS) - Lenovo
To reset the BIOS password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q, you must physically manipulate a specific jumper on the motherboard known as the Clear CMOS (or Recovery) jumper. Unlike many laptops, simply removing the CMOS battery is often insufficient to clear a supervisor password on this model. The Reset Procedure lenovo thinkcentre m720q bios password reset
For the Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q, the reset involves moving a jumper on the JP35 jumper block (typically located in the top-left corner of the motherboard near the Wi-Fi antenna).
Preparation: Power off the computer and disconnect all cables, including the AC power adapter.
Access the Motherboard: Remove the screw at the back and slide the computer cover forward to expose the internal components.
Locate the Jumper: Find the SW_CLR_CMOS jumper. On this model, it is often part of a larger pin block (JP35). The default position typically connects pins 5 and 6.
Move the Jumper: Move the jumper from its standard position to the maintenance position, connecting pins 2 and 4.
Note: Some community guides suggest removing the RAM on the backside during this process for a more reliable reset.
Trigger the Clear: Reconnect the AC power adapter and press the power button. The system will not display video but should emit a series of beeps (often 4–5 series of double beeps). Revert and Finalize: Power off and disconnect the power again.
Move the jumper back to its original position (pins 5 and 6). Reassemble the unit and reconnect power.
Verify: Power on and press F1 or F12 to enter BIOS. The password prompt should no longer appear, or you may be prompted to set a new one. Important Limitations
Supervisor Passwords: This jumper method is specifically designed to clear "User" and "Supervisor" passwords. However, if a Hard Disk Password is set, this hardware reset will not clear it; you must remember the password or replace the drive.
Authorized Support: If you cannot locate the jumper or the hardware reset fails, Lenovo recommends contacting an authorized service provider, as motherboard replacement may be necessary for security reasons.
To reset the BIOS password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, you must use the motherboard's physical Clear CMOS / Recovery jumper. Simply removing the CMOS battery will not clear the supervisor or power-on password on this model. 🛠️ Hardware Setup Power down the computer and disconnect all external cables. Remove the cover of the computer. Locate the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard. Position the unit so the rear ports are at the top.
Look for the jumper in the upper-left corner of the board. It is typically a small plastic block covering two of three pins. 🔄 The Reset Process
Follow these sequential steps precisely to erase the forgotten password:
Move the jumper from its standard position (covering pins 1 and 2) to the maintenance position (covering pins 2 and 3).
Connect the power cord back into the computer and turn it on. Leave it running for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. You may hear a series of short beeps; this is normal. Shut down the PC by holding the power button for 5 seconds. Disconnect the power cord from the machine once again.
Return the jumper back to its original standard position (covering pins 1 and 2). Put the cover back on and reattach your cables. 🖥️ Finalizing Settings Turn on the computer and the monitor.
Press F1 when the Lenovo logo appears to enter the BIOS menu. Save and exit to secure your cleared settings.
How to Reset the BIOS Password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Resetting a forgotten BIOS password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q
often requires physical access to the motherboard. While standard user or power-on passwords can sometimes be bypassed by removing the CMOS battery, a Supervisor Password typically requires a specific "Clear CMOS" jumper procedure or, in extreme cases, a motherboard replacement. Step 1: Differentiate Between Password Types
Before proceeding, identify which password you are trying to reset: If the password only locks entering setup (F1),
Power-On Password: Prompts immediately when you turn on the PC.
Supervisor Password: Required to change settings within the BIOS menu.
Hard Disk Password: Required to access data on the drive. Note: Clearing the CMOS will not reset a hard disk password. Step 2: The Physical Reset (Clear CMOS Jumper) The most effective way to clear a BIOS password on the M720q Tiny Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is using the onboard jumper.
Preparation: Turn off the computer and disconnect all cables, including the power adapter. Open the Chassis:
Remove the screw on the back of the case and slide the cover off.
Locate the Jumper: Find the JP35 jumper block on the motherboard. On the
, this is typically located in the top-left corner near the Wi-Fi antenna or rear ports. Move the Jumper:
The jumper is normally on pins 5-6 (or 1-2 depending on the label).
Move it to the Maintenance position (often covering pins 2-4 or 2-3). Trigger the Reset: Reconnect the power cable and turn the computer on.
The system may not display anything but should emit a series of beeps (usually double beeps).
Let it beep for 15–30 seconds, then hold the power button for 5 seconds to force it off.
Restore the Jumper: Disconnect the power again and move the jumper back to its original position.
Finalize: Reassemble the case, reconnect your peripherals, and power on. Press F1 or Fn+F1 during the logo screen to enter the BIOS and confirm the password prompt is gone. Alternative Method: Removing the CMOS Battery
If the jumper method does not work, you can try a full power drain: M720q User Guide and Hardware Maintenance Manual
To reset the BIOS password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny , you must use the physical Clear CMOS / Recovery jumper located on the motherboard
. Simply removing the CMOS battery usually will not clear a Supervisor Password on modern ThinkCentre models. Steps to Reset the BIOS Password Preparation
: Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords and external cables. Open the Case : Remove the computer cover to access the motherboard. Locate the Jumper : Look for the Clear CMOS / Recovery jumper (often labeled as
). On the M720q, it is typically a 3-pin header with a plastic jumper block covering two pins. Move the Jumper Identify the current position (usually Pins 1 and 2 Move the jumper block to the maintenance position ( Pins 2 and 3 Clear the Password Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer.
The system may beep or show a message indicating that CMOS has been cleared.
Once the system has finished this brief cycle, turn it off and disconnect the power again. Restore the Jumper : Move the jumper block back to its original position ( Pins 1 and 2 Reassemble : Replace the computer cover and reconnect your cables. : Power on the system and press repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup utility . The password should now be removed. Important Notes Supervisor vs. Power-On Password
: This method is specifically effective for clearing the Power-On Password. If a Supervisor Password
is set and remains after a CMOS clear, the motherboard may require professional service or replacement, as Lenovo designs these for high security. Hardware Maintenance Manual If you're comfortable with opening your computer's case
: For a visual diagram of the jumper's exact location, refer to the Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Hardware Maintenance Manual on the official Lenovo Support site on a motherboard diagram?
Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS) - Lenovo
Forgetting or losing a BIOS password on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny can lock you out of critical system settings, such as boot order or hardware configuration. Fortunately, you can reset this password using a physical hardware jumper on the motherboard. 1. Locate the CMOS/Recovery Jumper The first step is to access the internal hardware.
Shut Down & Unplug: Power off the computer and disconnect the AC adapter and all other cables.
Open the Case: Remove the single screw at the back of the chassis and slide the top cover forward to remove it.
Find Jumper JP35: Hold the unit so the rear ports are at the top. The Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper is typically a 6-pin block located in the upper-left corner of the motherboard, often near the Wi-Fi antenna or M.2 slot.
Note Default Position: In its standard operating state, the jumper is usually on pins 5 and 6. 2. Move Jumper to Maintenance Mode
Moving the jumper tells the system to clear stored security settings.
Reposition Jumper: Carefully move the jumper from the standard pins (5-6) to the maintenance position (pins 2 and 4).
Critical Tip: Some users report that removing the RAM from the bottom side of the unit during this process is necessary for a successful reset. 3. Clear the Password
Power On: Reconnect the power cable and press the power button. The screen may remain black, but the internal speaker should begin to emit a series of double beeps or a short melody.
Wait for Beeps: Allow the computer to beep for several cycles (roughly 30–60 seconds) to ensure the CMOS has been cleared.
Power Off: Press and hold the power button to shut the system down, then disconnect the AC adapter again. 4. Restore Standard Configuration How do you remove admin password from bios Lenovo m700 tiny
Q: Will removing the CMOS battery for 24 hours reset the password? A: No. The password is stored in non-volatile EEPROM. It retains data without power for years.
Q: I tried the jumper short method, and now my M720q won't boot at all. A: You likely shorted the wrong pins and corrupted the EC firmware. You now need an SPI programmer (CH341A) to reflash the EC. Search for "M720q IT8528 dump file" online.
Q: Does the M720q have a "backdoor" master password? A: No. Unlike older laptops (ThinkPad T410 era), Lenovo removed the master password function for security reasons.
Q: What is the easiest method for a non-technical user? A: Take the M720q to a local repair shop. Tell them: "Please short the EC security pins or flash the BIOS chip with a programmer." Do not let them tell you "removing the battery will fix it"—they are wrong.
Q: Does resetting the BIOS remove the Windows password? A: No. BIOS password and Windows login password are completely separate.
If the above methods don't work or you're not comfortable with DIY procedures, consider:
The M720q supports a "Maintenance Mode." The feature exploits this by creating the specific SVPW file structure recognized by the BIOS bootstrap loader.
Disclaimer: This is a conceptual feature design. In reality, currently, only Lenovo Technical Support can generate the specific cryptographic files required to reset the BIOS password on the M720q, and they usually require proof of purchase.
Once you reset the password, do not repeat the cycle.
Best Practices for M720q Users: