If the machine is deployed in a public or corporate environment, set a new supervisor password immediately. Ensure you document it securely in a password manager.
Locate the single, rear-mounted thumbscrew securing the top cover of the mini PC.
: If the prompt explicitly asks for a "Hard Disk Password" or an Intel AMT Management password, the Clear CMOS jumper will not remove it. Hard drive passwords are saved directly on the storage drive's controller, not the motherboard. You may need to replace the SSD/HDD.
The computer still asks for a password after moving the jumper. lenovo thinkcentre m720q bios password reset
Did you try the yet, and did the machine beep when powered on?
Locking yourself out of the BIOS or UEFI on your enterprise desktop is a frustrating experience. For administrators and tech enthusiasts working with the , forgetting the administrator or power-on password can halt hardware upgrades, virtualization configurations, or boot-order changes.
The jumper block consists of 3 pins. By default, a plastic jumper cap covers (the normal operating position). Step 3: Move the Jumper to Clear Position If the machine is deployed in a public
If you've attempted the methods above without success, your M720q has likely stored the password in protected non-volatile memory (NVRAM) that doesn't clear through standard CMOS resets. This is by design—Lenovo and other manufacturers have significantly hardened their security architectures. Modern systems use Intel Boot Guard and robust signature checks that prevent simple hardware bypasses.
Turn on the computer and immediately start pressing the key repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup utility.
Look for the motherboard layout. On the , the password/CMOS clear functionality is controlled by the SW_CLR_CMOS jumper block (often labeled as JP35 on the board). : If the prompt explicitly asks for a
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q, particularly as a compact and popular model for business use and home labs, often has robust security features in its BIOS/UEFI firmware. Unlike a forgotten Windows login, the BIOS password is stored directly on a chip on the motherboard, making it more persistent and difficult to bypass. Lenovo employs several types of system passwords, including the Power-On Password (POP), which is required to boot the machine, and the Supervisor Password, which is required to enter and change BIOS settings.
Let the system beep for about 10–15 seconds, then hold down the for 5 seconds to turn the unit off. Step 6: Restore the Default Configuration
Power On -> Tap F1 Repeatedly -> Enter Setup -> Press F9 (Defaults) -> Press F10 (Save & Exit) Use code with caution. M720q-Cmos-Maintenance-Jumper-Position - Lenovo Forums
What specific are you seeing on the screen when you turn the PC on?