Installing Windows 11 on a Lenovo V15G4 Laptop with Samsung 980 PRO 1TB SSD

Installing Windows 11 on a Lenovo V15G4 equipped with a Samsung 980 PRO 1TB SSD requires careful BIOS configuration to ensure the drive is recognized and secure boot features are enabled. This process involves creating a bootable USB, adjusting UEFI settings for NVMe compatibility, and performing a clean installation that leverages the high-speed storage capabilities of the Samsung drive while maintaining system stability.

Preparing the Installation Media

Before modifying any hardware or firmware settings, you must prepare the installation media. The most reliable method is using the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool. Download the tool from Microsoft’s website and run it on a working computer. Select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC." Choose your language and edition, then select "USB flash drive" as the media type. Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space. The tool will format the drive, so back up any important data first. Once complete, the USB drive contains the necessary Windows 11 files. If you prefer an ISO file, you can download that instead and use a tool like Rufus to write it to the USB drive, ensuring the partition scheme is set to GPT for UEFI firmware.

Configuring Lenovo V15G4 BIOS Settings

The Lenovo V15G4 uses a UEFI BIOS interface. Accessing this menu is critical for proper SSD detection. Restart the laptop and repeatedly press F2 or Fn+F2 during the boot sequence to enter the BIOS setup. Some models may also allow access through the Novo button, a small pinhole on the side of the chassis. Navigate to the Configuration tab. Look for the SATA Controller option. Ensure it is set to AHCI mode. While NVMe drives do not strictly require SATA AHCI, setting the controller correctly prevents potential conflicts during the initial installation phase. Next, go to the Security tab. Enable Secure Boot. This feature is required by Windows 11 and ensures that only signed software runs during the boot process. Then, move to the Startup tab. Change the Boot Mode from Legacy Support to UEFI Only. Disable Legacy Support if it is enabled, as mixing modes can cause the installer to fail to recognize the NVMe drive. Save these changes by pressing F10 and confirming the action. The system will reboot into the selected mode.

Booting from the USB Drive

With the BIOS configured, insert the prepared USB drive into one of the laptop’s USB ports. Restart the machine and immediately press F12 to open the One-Time Boot Menu. You should see a list of available boot devices. Select the USB drive listed under UEFI: [Drive Name]. If the USB drive does not appear, verify that Secure Boot is enabled and that the drive was formatted correctly in Step 1. Sometimes, renaming the USB drive or using a different port can resolve recognition issues. Once selected, the system will load the Windows Setup environment.

Performing the Clean Installation

Follow the on-screen prompts to start the installation. When asked for the product key, choose "I don't have a product key" if you plan to activate later via digital license. On the "Which type of installation do you want?" screen, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This step is crucial for managing the Samsung 980 PRO. You will see a list of drives and partitions. Delete existing partitions on the target drive until only "Unallocated Space" remains. This ensures a fresh file system structure optimized for NTFS. Select the unallocated space and click Next. Windows will automatically create the necessary system reserved partitions and begin copying files. The installation may restart several times. Remove the USB drive after the first restart to prevent the system from booting back into the installer. Wait for the setup to complete, which may take several minutes due to the large number of files being copied to the high-speed SSD.

Post-Installation Drivers and Optimization

After the first login, connect to the internet. Windows Update will automatically download many basic drivers. However, for optimal performance with the Samsung 980 PRO, install the latest chipset drivers from Lenovo’s support site. Navigate to the support page for the V15G4, enter your serial number, and download the Chipset Driver package. It is also advisable to check for BIOS updates. Newer BIOS versions often improve NVMe compatibility and power management. Run Lenovo Vantage or manually download the update from the manufacturer’s website. Apply the update and restart the laptop. For memory management, ensure that virtual memory is set to automatic. As noted in related discussions about Memory Management Issues After Installing New SSD on Windows 11, improper paging file settings can lead to performance bottlenecks even on fast storage. Let Windows manage this automatically unless you have specific professional requirements. Finally, verify that the drive is running in its expected speed tier. Use tools like CrystalDiskMark to benchmark the read and write speeds. If speeds are significantly lower than advertised, check the PCIe generation settings in the BIOS and ensure the latest NVMe driver is installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung 980 PRO not showing up in the BIOS?

Ensure that the drive is properly seated in the M.2 slot and that the screw is securing it firmly. Check the BIOS settings to confirm that NVMe support is enabled, although it is usually on by default in UEFI mode. If the drive is still invisible, try reseating it or testing it in another compatible slot if available.

Can I keep my old data during the Windows 11 installation?

No, a custom installation on unallocated space erases all data on that drive. To preserve data, you would need to perform an in-place upgrade using the ISO file, but this requires sufficient free space and a stable previous installation. For a clean slate, always back up your files to an external drive before starting.

Do I need to install Samsung Magician software separately?

While not strictly required for the OS to function, installing Samsung Magician is recommended for firmware updates and health monitoring. It provides access to advanced features like over-provisioning and thermal control, which can extend the lifespan of the SSD.

What should I do if the installation fails with error code 0x80300024?

This error typically indicates a conflict with multiple drives. Disconnect all other internal and external drives except the Samsung 980 PRO. Proceed with the installation on the single connected drive. Reconnect other drives only after Windows is fully installed and activated.

Is it safe to enable Full Disk Encryption after installation?

Yes, enabling BitLocker is highly recommended for security. Since the V15G4 supports TPM 2.0, which is enabled by default in the BIOS, BitLocker integration will be seamless. Ensure you save your recovery key in a secure location outside the device before turning it on.