Lenovo LOQ 15AHP9 – unable to install Windows from a USB stick?

Troubleshooting Windows Installation Issues on the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP9: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve recently purchased the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP9 and are experiencing difficulties installing Windows from a USB drive, you’re not alone. Many users face challenges related to boot configuration or recognizing installation media, especially on new systems. This guide aims to help you diagnose and resolve common issues encountered during the Windows setup process.

Understanding the Situation

Your scenario involves:
– A new Lenovo LOQ 15AHP9 laptop without pre-installed operating systems.
– Creation of a Windows 11 installation USB using the official Microsoft media creation tools.
– Boot attempts from the USB resulting in error messages, including “Network media is not present, retry media connection” and “Default Boot Device Missing or Boot Failed.”
– The system’s BIOS recognizes the SSD, but boot options default to network and USB devices.

Common Causes and Solutions

1. Incorrect Boot Mode (UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS)

Issue: If the BIOS is set to the wrong boot mode, the system might not recognize the bootable USB properly.

Solution:
– Enter BIOS setup by pressing F2 during startup.
– Navigate to the Boot or Startup section.
– Ensure the system is set to UEFI mode, not Legacy BIOS.
– Verify that Secure Boot is disabled during installation (you can enable it afterward).
– Save changes and restart.

2. USB Drive Creation Method

Issue: Using an incomplete or incorrect method to create the Windows installation media can lead to non-bootable USBs.

Solution:
– Use the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
– Format your USB as FAT32 (if the installer size permits), or if larger than 4GB, use NTFS and enable UEFI boot compatibility.
– Recreate the bootable USB following Microsoft’s official instructions carefully.

3. Boot Order and Boot Manager

Issue: The system may prioritize network boot or other devices over the USB.

Solution:
– In BIOS, set the USB device as the first boot option.
– Alternatively, use the Boot Menu (usually F12 during startup) to select the USB drive directly.