Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User manual

ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3
User Guide

Read this first
Before using this documentation and the product it supports, ensure that you read and understand the
follo ing:
• Safety and Warranty Guide
• Generic Safety and Compliance Notices
• Setup Guide
First Edition (August 2022)
© Copyright Lenovo 2022.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or soft are is delivered pursuant to a General Services
Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-
35F-05925.

Contents
Discover your Lenovo co puter . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your co puter . . . . . 1
Overvie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 3
USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Get started with your
co puter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Adjust the computer stand (for selected models) . . . 5
Access net orks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect to the ired Ethernet . . . . . . . . 6
Connect to Wi-Fi net orks (for selected
models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Use the touch screen (for selected models) . . . . . 7
Connect an external display . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3. Explore your co puter . . . 9
The Vantage app . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AI camera (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . 9
Smart cable (for selected models) . . . . . . . . 10
Set the po er plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Use the optical drive (for selected models) . . 12
Use a media card (for selected models) . . . . 13
Purchase accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 4. Secure your co puter
and infor ation . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Log in to your computer securely . . . . . . . . 15
UEFI BIOS pass ords . . . . . . . . . . 15
Face authentication (for selected models) . . . 16
Use soft are security solutions. . . . . . . . . 16
Windo s fire alls . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Antivirus programs . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Use BIOS security solutions . . . . . . . . . . 17
Wipe the storage drive data . . . . . . . . 17
Intel BIOS guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Smart USB Protection . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . 19
What is UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Enter the BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Navigate in the BIOS interface . . . . . . . . . 19
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS . . . . 19
Set the system date and time . . . . . . . . . 20
Change the boot priority order . . . . . . . . . 20
Enable or disable the automatic po er-on
feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Enable or disable the smart po er-on feature (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Enable or disable the ErP LPS compliance mode . . 21
Change the ITS performance mode . . . . . . . 22
Change BIOS settings before installing a ne
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Update UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Recover from a BIOS update failure . . . . . . . 23
Clear CMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 6. Diagnostics . . . . . . . . 25
Lenovo diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Vantage app . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 7. CRU replace ent . . . . . 27
CRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Remove or replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Computer stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter 8. Help and support . . . . . 31
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 33
Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 33
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 34
Appendix A. Co pliance
infor ation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix B. Notices and
trade arks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
© Copyright Lenovo 2022 i

ii ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Discover your Lenovo co puter
Thank you for choosing a Lenovo® co puter! We are dedicated to delivering the best solution to you.
Before starting your tour, please read the follo ing information:
• Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your product.
• Depending on the model, some optional accessories, features, soft are programs, and user interface
instructions might not be applicable to your computer.
• Documentation content is subject to change ithout notice. To get the latest documentation, go to https://
pcsupport.lenovo.com.
© Copyright Lenovo 2022 iii

iv ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your co puter
Overview
Ite Description Ite Description
1Infrared (IR) camera, AI camera or Integrated
camera* 2 Multi-touch screen*
3 S itch button 4 Po er button
5Internal speaker 6 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 connector
7Optical drive activity indicator* 8Optical drive eject button*
* for selected models
State ent on USB transfer rate
Depending on many factors such as the processing capability of the host and peripheral devices, file
attributes, and other factors related to system configuration and operating environments, the actual transfer
rate using the various USB connectors on this device ill vary and ill be slo er than the data rate listed
belo for each corresponding device.
USB device Data rate (Gbit/s)
3.2 Gen 1 5
3.2 Gen 2 10
3.2 Gen 2 × 2 20
Thunderbolt 3 40
Thunderbolt 4 40
© Copyright Lenovo 2022 1

Rear
Ite Description Ite Description
1 Po er connector 2 Combo audio jack
3 HDMI™ in connector 4 Ethernet connector
5 HDMI out connector 6 USB-A 2.0 connector
7Al ays On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector 8USB-C® (3.2 Gen 2) connectors
9USB-C (po er) connector ( ith USB 2.0 data
transfer rate) 10 Security-lock slot
Always On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector
With the Al ays On USB feature enabled, the Al ays On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector can charge a USB-
compatible device hen the computer is on, off, in sleep mode, or in hibernation mode.
To enable the Al ays On USB feature, do the follo ing:
1. Enter the UEFI BIOS menu. See “Enter the BIOS menu” on page 19.
2. Click Devices ➙ USB Setup ➙ Front USB Ports ➙ USB Port 2 to enable the Al ays On USB feature.
Related topics
• “Use the optical drive (for selected models)” on page 12.
• “Lock the computer” on page 15.
• “Connect an external display” on page 8.
• “USB specifications” on page 4.
2ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Features and specifications
For detailed specifications of your computer, go to https://psref.lenovo.com.
Specification Description
Di ensions (without stand)
• Width: 541 mm (21.3 inches)
• Height: 433.7 mm (17.1 inches)
• Depth: 56.6 mm (2.2 inches)
Weight (without packaging) Maximum configuration as shipped: 7.7 kg (17.0 lb)
Hardware configuration Type Device Manager in the Windo s search box and then press Enter. Type the
administrator pass ord or provide confirmation, if prompted.
Power supply 180- att automatic voltage-sensing po er supply
Electrical input • Input voltage: From 100 V ac to 240 V ac
• Input frequency: 50/60 Hz
Me ory
Up to t o double data rate 5 (DDR5) small outline dual in-line memory modules
(SODIMMs)
Maximum memory capacity: 32 GB
Storage device
• 2.5-inch form factor height hard disk drive
• M.2 solid-state drive
To vie the storage drive capacity of your computer, type Disk Management in the
Windo s search box and then press Enter.
Note: The storage drive capacity indicated by the system is less than the nominal
capacity.
Video features
• Brightness control
• Display size: 604.52 mm (23.8 inches)
• Display resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Multi-touch technology*
• The integrated graphics card supports the follo ing:
– HDMI in connector
– HDMI out connector
• The optional discrete graphics card provides an enhanced video experience
and extended capabilities.
Expansion
• Memory slots
• M.2 solid-state drive slot
• Optical drive
• Storage drive bay
Network features
• Bluetooth*
• Ethernet LAN
• Wireless LAN*
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 3

* for selected models
USB specifications
Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on your computer.
Connector na e Description
• USB-A 2.0 connector
• USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 connector
• USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector
Connect USB-A compatible devices, such as a USB-A
keyboard, USB-A mouse, USB-A storage device, or USB-
A printer.
• USB-C (3.2 Gen 1) connector
• USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) connector
• USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) connector
• USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) connector
• Charge USB-C compatible devices ith the output
voltage and current of 5 V and 3 A.
• Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your
computer functionality. To purchase USB-C
accessories, go to https:// .lenovo.com/accessories.
4ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 2. Get started with your co puter
Adjust the co puter stand (for selected odels)
Tilt-only stand
• Tilt the screen for ard and back.
• Turn the screen to the left and right.
Liftable stand
• Tilt the screen for ard and back.
• Move the screen up and do n.
© Copyright Lenovo 2022 5

• Turn the screen to the left and right.
Access networks
This section helps you access net orks through connecting to a ired or ireless net ork.
Connect to the wired Ethernet
Connect your computer to a local net ork through the Ethernet connector on your computer ith an
Ethernet cable.
Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected odels)
Click the net ork icon in the Windo s® notification area, and then select a net ork for connection. Provide
required information, if needed.
6ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Use the touch screen (for selected odels)
If your computer display supports the multi-touch function, you can navigate the screen ith simple touch
gestures. For more touch gestures, refer to https://support.microsoft.com/ indo s.
Note: Some gestures might not be applicable hen you use certain apps.
Illustration and description Illustration and description
Tap once to single click Tap t ice quickly to double-click
Tap and hold to right-click Slide to scroll through items
Zoom in Zoom out
S ipe from the left: vie all open indo s (Windo s 10)
S ipe from the left: open idget panel (Windo s 11)
S ipe from the right: open action center (Windo s 10)
S ipe from the right: open notification center
(Windo s 11)
Chapter 2.Get started ith your computer 7

Illustration and description Illustration and description
S ipe do n ards shortly: sho title bar
S ipe do n ards: close the current app
Drag
Maintenance tips
• Turn off the computer before cleaning the touch screen.
• Use a dry, soft, and lint-free cloth or a piece of absorbent cotton to remove fingerprints or dust from the
touch screen. Do not apply solvents to the cloth.
• The touch screen is a glass panel covered ith a plastic film. Do not apply pressure or place any metallic
object on the screen, hich might damage the touch panel or cause it to malfunction.
• Do not use fingernails, gloved fingers, or inanimate objects for input on the screen.
• Regularly calibrate the accuracy of the finger input to avoid a discrepancy.
Connect an external display
Connect a projector or a monitor to your computer to give presentations or expand your orkspace.
Connect a wireless display
Ensure that both your computer and the ireless display support Miracast®.
Press Windo s logo key + K and then select a ireless display to connect.
Change display settings
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select display settings.
2. Select the display that you ant to configure and change display settings of your preference.
8ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 3. Explore your co puter
The Vantage app
The preinstalled Vantage app is a customized one-stop solution to help you maintain your computer ith
automated updates and fixes, configure hard are settings, and get personalized support.
To access the Vantage app, type Vantage in the Windo s search box.
Key features
The Vantage app enables you to:
• Kno the device status easily and customize device settings.
• Do nload and install UEFI BIOS, firm are and driver updates to keep your computer up-to-date.
• Monitor your computer health, and secure your computer against outside threats.
• Scan your computer hard are and diagnose hard are problems.
• Look up arranty status (online).
• Access User Guide and helpful articles.
Notes:
• The available features vary depending on the computer model.
• The Vantage app makes periodic updates of the features to keep improving your experience ith your
computer. The description of features might be different from that on your actual user interface.
AI ca era (for selected odels)
If the camera on your computer is equipped ith an AI chip, AI camera enables you to experience the
follo ing features. In addition to face beautification and background customization in video calls, Lenovo
S art Appearance helps you to protect your privacy data from peeping behavior during a neglected period.
Note: Ensure that you have installed Lenovo S art Appearance on your computer. If Lenovo S art
Appearance is not installed, go to the Microsoft Store to do nload it.
Privacy protection
When peeping behavior is detected, it triggers an alert message to display ithin seconds and blurs your
computer screen to protect your privacy.
Note: If the privacy protection feature is enabled, screen blurring is enabled by default hile an alert
message needs to be further enabled. You can customize the arning interval based on your preference.
© Copyright Lenovo 2022 9

Hu an presence detection
The AI camera detects user presence. This feature a akens your computer hen you are facing the screen.
And hen you leave, it automatically locks the computer according to the screen-off timer settings, hich
can be customized. The default screen-off timer is 10 seconds.
Note: Ensure that you have enabled the human presence detection feature and registered your face
identification. Lenovo does not collect any personal data.
Adaptive di ing
The screen dims automatically to save po er hen you are facing a ay. You need to enable adaptive
dimming. Brightness value and screen dim timer can both be customized. The default screen dim timer is 10
seconds.
S art cable (for selected odels)
Depending on the model, your device might not come ith smart cable.
Prerequisite
Before using smart cable, do the follo ing to ensure that the driver is successfully installed.
• Connect t o devices ith a smart cable.
• Double-click This PC ➙ LENOVOLINK Disk Drive.
• Launch LenovoLink.exe to install a driver.
• A pop-up indo displays if smart cable is ready to use.
Note: Before connecting a smart cable, connect one of USB 3.2 connectors on neo 50a 24 Gen 3 for better
experience.
File transfer
You can use the keyboard and mouse ith a simple drag and drop bet een t o devices via smart cable.
10 ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Picture-in-Picture ode
If your office table size is limited to ork, smart cable helps you to handle ork effectively in one device via
Picture-in-Picture mode.
For more information, go to https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/docs/lenovolink_smart_cable.
Set the power plan
For ENERGY STAR® compliant computers, the follo ing po er plan takes effect hen your computers have
been idle for a specified duration:
• turn off the display: After 10 minutes
• put the computer to sleep: After 10 minutes
To a aken the computer from Sleep mode, press any key on your keyboard.
To reset the po er plan:
1. Right-click the battery status icon and select Power Options.
2. Choose or customize a po er plan of your preference.
Transfer data
Quickly share your files using the built-in Bluetooth technology among devices ith the same features. You
also can install a disc or media card to transfer data.
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for selected odels)
You can connect all types of Bluetooth-enabled devices to your computer, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a
smartphone, or speakers. Place the device that you are attempting to connect to less than 10 meters (33
feet) from the computer.
Chapter 3.Explore your computer 11

1. Type Bluetooth in the Windo s search box and then press Enter.
2. Turn on Bluetooth, if it is off.
3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follo the on-screen instructions.
Use the optical drive (for selected odels)
If your computer has an optical drive, read the follo ing information.
Know the type of your optical drive
1. Type Device Manager in the Windo s search box and then press Enter. Type the administrator pass ord
or provide confirmation, if prompted.
2. Select an optical drive, and then follo the on-screen instructions.
Install or re ove a disc
1. With the computer on, press the eject button on the optical drive. The tray slides out of the drive.
2. Insert a disc into the tray or remove a disc from the tray, and then push the tray back into the drive.
Note: If the tray does not slide out of the drive hen you press the eject button, turn off the computer. Then,
insert a straightened paper clip into the emergency-eject hole adjacent to the eject button. Use the
emergency eject only in an emergency.
Record a disc
1. Insert a recordable disc into the optical drive that supports recording.
2. Do one of the follo ing:
• Type AutoPlay in the Windo s search box and then press Enter. Turn on Use AutoPlay for all edia
and devices.
• Open Windo s Media Player.
• Double-click the ISO file.
3. Follo the on-screen instructions.
12 ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Use a edia card (for selected odels)
If your computer has a SD-card slot, read the follo ing information.
Install a edia card
1. Locate the SD-card slot.
2. Ensure that the metal contacts on the card are facing the ones in the SD-card slot. Insert the card firmly
into the SD-card slot until it is secured in place.
Re ove a edia card
Attention: Before removing the card:
1. Click the triangular icon in the Windo s notification area to sho hidden icons. Right-click the icon
prompting you to safely remove hard are and eject media.
2. Select the corresponding item to eject the card from the Windo s operating system.
3. Press the card and remove it from your computer. Store the card safely for future use.
Purchase accessories
Lenovo has a number of hard are accessories and upgrades to help expand the capabilities of your
computer. Options include memory modules, storage devices, net ork cards, po er adapters, keyboards,
mice, and more.
To shop at Lenovo, go to https:// .lenovo.com/accessories.
Chapter 3.Explore your computer 13

14 ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 Gen 3 User Guide