Reset — Lenovo Thinkcentre M720q Bios Password
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 , the most effective hardware method involves using the Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper
on the motherboard. Simply removing the CMOS battery is often insufficient for modern ThinkCentre models as the supervisor password is typically stored in non-volatile memory [10, 13]. Hardware Jumper Reset Procedure
This method (often referred to as the "Maintenance Position" reset) is the standard way to clear a forgotten supervisor password [8, 10]. Preparation
: Power off the unit, unplug the power cord, and remove the computer cover [8, 10]. Jumper JP35 : Find the jumper block labeled
(usually near the WiFi antenna or top-left of the board) [10, 13]. Move the Jumper
Identify the current "Standard" position (typically pins 1-2 or 5-6) [8, 10].
Move the jumper to the "Maintenance" position (pins 2-3 or 2-4 depending on the specific board revision) [8, 10]. Clear the Password Reattach the power cord and turn the computer on [8, 10]. lenovo thinkcentre m720q bios password reset
Wait for the system to beep (usually a series of double beeps) [10, 13].
After the beeps, turn off the computer by holding the power button for 5 seconds and unplug the power [8, 10]. Restore Defaults Move the jumper back to its original standard position Replace the cover, reconnect power, and boot while tapping to enter the Lenovo BIOS Setup
[8, 17]. The password prompt should no longer appear [10, 13]. Critical Tips from the Community Remove RAM : Some users on report that the reset only triggers successfully if you remove all RAM modules
before performing the jumper swap and power-on sequence [13]. Official Documentation : For precise jumper diagrams, refer to the M720q Hardware Maintenance Manual (Page 41) [7, 9]. Security Limitation
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 If you want, I can provide the M720q
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. Caveat: On M720q this often won’t help because
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
Target Platform: Windows 10/11 & Lenovo Bootable Media Target Device: Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q (and related ThinkCentre series)
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:
Caveat: On M720q this often won’t help because passwords are stored in non-volatile firmware.