Lenovo ThinkPad L490 User manual

L490/L590
User Guide

Read this first
Before using this documentation and the product it supports, ensure that you read and understand the
following:
Appendix A “Important safety information” on page 95
Safety and Warranty Guide
Setup Guide
Second Edition (September 2019)
© Copyright Lenovo 2019
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software 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
About this documentation iii
Chapter 1 Meet your computer 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Base (L490) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Base (L590) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Statement on USB transfer rate . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 2 Get started with your
computer 11
Get started with Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . 11
Windows account . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Windows user interface . . . . . . . . . . 12
Windows label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connect to networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connect to the wired Ethernet . . . . . . . 13
Connect to Wi-Fi networks. . . . . . . . . 13
Connect to a cellular network. . . . . . . . 13
Use Lenovo Vantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Interact with your computer . . . . . . . . . . 15
Use the keyboard shortcuts (L490) . . . . . 16
Use the keyboard shortcuts (L590) . . . . . 18
Use the TrackPoint pointing device . . . . . 19
Use the trackpad . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Use the multi-touch screen . . . . . . . . 23
Use multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Use audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Use the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connect to an external display . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 3 Explore your computer 29
Manage power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Check the battery status and temperature. . . 29
Charge the computer . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Maximize the battery life . . . . . . . . . 29
Set power button behaviors . . . . . . . . 29
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device. . . . 30
Set up a NFC connection . . . . . . . . . 30
Use a smart card or microSD card. . . . . . 31
Airplane mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Chapter 4 Accessories 33
Purchase options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Attach a docking station. . . . . . . . . . 36
Detach a docking station . . . . . . . . . 37
Connect multiple external displays . . . . . 38
Chapter 5 Secure your computer
and information 39
Lock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Use passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Password types . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Set, change, and remove a password . . . . 41
Use the fingerprint reader (for selected models) . . 42
Use face authentication (for selected models) . . . 42
Use firewalls and antivirus programs. . . . . . . 43
Chapter 6 Configure advanced
settings 45
UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
What is UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Enter the UEFI BIOS menu . . . . . . . . . 45
Navigate in the UEFI BIOS interface . . . . . 45
Change the startup sequence . . . . . . . 45
Set the system date and time. . . . . . . . 46
Update UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Recovery information . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Restore system files and settings to an earlier
point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Restore your files from a backup . . . . . . 46
Reset your computer . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Use advanced options . . . . . . . . . . 47
Windows automatic recovery. . . . . . . . 47
Create and use a recovery USB device . . . . 47
Install Windows 10 and drivers . . . . . . . . . 48
Chapter 7 CRU replacement 51
What are CRUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Disable Fast Startup and the built-in battery. . . . 52
Replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Base cover assembly . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Memory module . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Wireless WAN card (for selected models) . . . 56
Internal storage drive . . . . . . . . . . . 58
© Copyright Lenovo 2019 i

Long M.2 solid-state drive (in internal storage
drive slot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Short M.2 solid-state drive (in internal storage
drive slot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
M.2 solid-state drive (in the wireless WAN
slot). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Speaker assembly (L490) . . . . . . . . . 80
Speaker assembly (L590) . . . . . . . . . 82
USB and audio board (L490) . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 8 Help and support 87
Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . 87
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Beep errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 91
Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 92
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 93
Appendix A Important safety
information 95
Appendix B Accessibility and
ergonomic information 109
Appendix C Supplemental
information about the Linux operating
system 113
Appendix D Compliance
information 115
Appendix E Notices and
trademarks 129
ii L490/L590 User Guide

About this documentation
Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your product.
Depending on the model, some optional accessories, features, and software programs might not be
available on your computer.
Depending on the version of operating systems and programs, some user interface instructions might not
be applicable to your computer.
Documentation content is subject to change without notice. Lenovo makes constant improvements on the
documentation of your computer, including this User Guide. To get the latest documentation, go to https://
support.lenovo.com.
Microsoft® makes periodic feature changes to the Windows® operating system through Windows Update.
As a result, some information in this documentation might become outdated. Refer to Microsoft resources
for the latest information.
© Copyright Lenovo 2019 iii

iv L490/L590 User Guide

Chapter 1 Meet your computer
Front
1. Infrared camera* Log in to your computer with face authentication. See “Use face authentication
(for selected models)” on page 42.
2. ThinkShutter* Slide ThinkShutter to cover or uncover the camera lens. It is designed to protect
your privacy.
3. Camera*
Take pictures or record videos by clicking Camera from the Start menu. The
indicator next to the camera is on when the camera is in use.
If you use other apps that support photographing, video chatting, and video
conference, the camera starts automatically when you enable the camera-
required feature from the app.
4. Microphones Capture or record sound.
5. Multi-touch screen* Enable you to use your computer with simple touch gestures. See “Use the multi-
touch screen” on page 23.
* for selected models
© Copyright Lenovo 2019 1

Base (L490)
1. Power button
Press to turn on the computer or put the computer to sleep mode.
To turn off the computer, open the Start menu, click Power, and then select
Shut down.
The indicator in the power button shows the system status of your computer.
Blinking for three times: The computer is initially connected to power.
On: The computer is on.
Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.
Blinking rapidly: The computer is entering sleep or hibernation mode.
Blinking slowly: The computer is in sleep mode.
2. Fingerprint reader* Log in to your computer with enrolled fingerprints. See “Use the fingerprint reader
(for selected models)” on page 42.
3. Trackpad Perform finger touch and all the functions of a traditional mouse. See “Use the
trackpad” on page 21.
4. NFC mark*
Your computer supports NFC (near field communication). You can share
information with another NFC-enabled device. See “Set up a NFC connection” on
page 30.
5. TrackPoint® pointing device Perform all the functions of a traditional mouse. See “Use the TrackPoint pointing
device” on page 19.
* for selected models
2L490/L590 User Guide

Base (L590)
1. Power button
Press to turn on the computer or put the computer to sleep mode.
To turn off the computer, open the Start menu, click Power, and then select
Shut down.
The indicator in the power button shows the system status of your computer.
Blinking for three times: The computer is initially connected to power.
On: The computer is on.
Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.
Blinking rapidly: The computer is entering sleep or hibernation mode.
Blinking slowly: The computer is in sleep mode.
2. Numeric keypad Quickly input numbers.
3. Fingerprint reader* Log in to your computer with enrolled fingerprints. See “Use the fingerprint reader
(for selected models)” on page 42.
4. NFC mark*
Your computer supports NFC (near field communication). You can share
information with another NFC-enabled device. See “Set up a NFC connection” on
page 30.
5. Trackpad Perform finger touch and all the functions of a traditional mouse. See “Use the
trackpad” on page 21.
6. TrackPoint pointing device Perform all the functions of a traditional mouse. See “Use the TrackPoint pointing
device” on page 19.
* for selected models
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 3

Left
1. USB-C™ connector (USB 3.1
Gen 1) Charge your computer.
Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output voltage and current of 5 V
and 1.5 A.
Transfer data at USB 3.1 speed, up to 5 Gbps.
Connect to an external display:
– USB-C to VGA: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60 Hz
– USB-C to DP: 4096 x 2304 pixels, 60 Hz
Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your computer functionality. To
purchase USB-C accessories, go to https://www.lenovo.com/accessories.
Note: When the battery power is below 10%, the connected USB-C accessories
might not work correctly.
2. USB-C connector (USB 3.1
Gen 2) Charge your computer.
Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output voltage and current of 5 V
and 1.5 A.
Transfer data at USB 3.1 speed, up to 10 Gbps.
Connect to an external display:
– USB-C to VGA: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60 Hz
– USB-C to DP: 4096 x 2304 pixels, 60 Hz
Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your computer functionality. To
purchase USB-C accessories, go to https://www.lenovo.com/accessories.
Note: When the battery power is below 10%, the connected USB-C accessories
might not work correctly.
3. Docking-station connector Connect the computer to one of the following supported docks to extend the
computer capabilities:
ThinkPad Basic Docking Station
ThinkPad Pro Docking Station
ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station
4L490/L590 User Guide

4. Always On USB 3.1 connector
Gen 1
With the Always On USB feature enabled, the Always On USB 3.1 connector Gen
1 can charge a USB-compatible device when the computer is on, off, in sleep
mode, or in hibernation mode.
Notes:
By default, Always On USB is enabled and Charge in Battery Mode is
disabled in UEFI BIOS.
When the computer is off or in hibernation mode, and Charge in Battery Mode
is disabled in UEFI BIOS, ensure that you have connected the computer to ac
power.
To enable the Always On USB feature, do the following:
1. Enter the UEFI BIOS menu. See “Enter the UEFI BIOS menu” on page 45.
2. Click Config ➙ USB ➙ Always On USB to enable the Always On USB
feature.
5. HDMI™ connector Connect to a compatible digital audio device or video monitor, such as an HDTV.
6. Nano-SIM card slot* Use the Nano Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card to connect to a wireless-
WAN network. See “Connect to a cellular network” on page 13.
7. microSD card slot Insert a microSD card for data access or storage. See “Use a smart card or
microSD card” on page 31.
8. Ethernet connector
Connect to a local area network (LAN). When the green indicator is on, the
computer is connected to a LAN. When the yellow indicator blinks, data is being
transmitted.
9. Smart-card slot* Use smart cards for authentication, data storage, and application processing.
Within large organizations, you might also use smart cards for strong security
authentication of single sign-on (SSO). See “Use a smart card or microSD card”
on page 31.
* for selected models
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 5

Right
1. Audio connector
Connect headphones or a headset with a 3.5-mm (0.14-inch) and 4-pole plug to
listen to the sound from the computer.
Note: The conventional microphone is not supported.
2. USB 3.1 connector Gen 1 Connect a USB-compatible device, such as a USB keyboard, USB mouse, USB
storage device, or USB printer.
3. Security-lock slot Lock your computer to a desk, table, or other fixtures through a compatible
security cable lock. See “Lock the computer” on page 39.
6L490/L590 User Guide

Bottom
1. Docking-station hook holes Use the docking-station hook holes to secure a supported docking station.
2. Keyboard drainage holes Drain out liquid from your computer if you accidentally spill liquid on the keyboard.
3. Speakers Enable you to experience high-quality sound.
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 7

Features and specifications
Dimensions
L490
Width: 335 mm (13.2 inches)
Depth: 235 mm (9.3 inches)
Thickness: 22.5 mm (0.89 inches)
L590
Width: 376.5 mm (14.8 inches)
Depth: 254.5 mm (10.0 inches)
Thickness: 22.95 mm (0.90 inches)
Maximum heat output
(depending on the model)
45 W (154 Btu/hr)
65 W (222 Btu/hr)
Power source (ac power
adapter)
Sine-wave input at 50 Hz to 60 Hz
Input rating of the ac power adapter: 100 V to 240 V ac, 50 Hz to 60 Hz
Microprocessor To view the microprocessor information of your computer, right-click the Start
button and then click System.
Memory Double data rate 4 (DDR4) small outline dual in-line memory module (SODIMM)
Storage device
2.5-inch form factor, 7-mm (0.28-inch) height hard disk drive*
2.5-inch form factor, 7-mm (0.28-inch) height solid-state drive*
M.2 solid-state drive*
Intel® Optane™ memory*
Display
Brightness control
Color display with In-Plane Switching (IPS) or Twisted Nematic (TN) technology
Display size:
– L490: 355.6 mm (14.0 inches)
– L590: 396.2 mm (15.6 inches)
Display resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels or 1366 x 768 pixels
Multi-touch technology*
Keyboard
Function keys
Numeric keypad (L590)
Six-row keyboard or six-row keyboard with backlight
Trackpad
TrackPoint pointing device
8L490/L590 User Guide

Connectors and slots
Always On USB 3.1 connector Gen 1
Audio connector
Ethernet connector
HDMI connector
microSD card slot
Nano-SIM card slot*
Smart-card slot*
USB-C connector (USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.1 Gen 2)
Security features
Face authentication*
Fingerprint reader*
Password
Security-lock slot
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)*
Wireless features
Bluetooth
NFC*
Wireless LAN
Wireless WAN*
Others Camera*
Microphones
* for selected models
Statement 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 will vary and will be slower than the data rate listed
below for each corresponding device.
USB device Data rate (Gbit/s)
3.1 Gen 1 5
3.1 Gen 2 10
3.2 20
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 9

10 L490/L590 User Guide

Chapter 2 Get started with your computer
Get started with Windows 10
Learn the basics of Windows 10 and start working with it right away. For more information about Windows
10, see the Windows help information.
Windows account
A user account is required to use the Windows operating system. It can either be a Windows user account or
a Microsoft account.
Windows user account
When you start Windows for the first time, you are prompted to create a Windows user account. This first
account you created is of the “Administrator” type. With an Administrator account, you can create additional
user accounts or change account types by doing the following:
1. Open the Start menu and select Settings ➙ Accounts ➙ Family & other users.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Microsoft account
You can also log in to the Windows operating system with a Microsoft account.
To create a Microsoft account, go to the Microsoft sign-up page at https://signup.live.com and follow the on-
screen instructions.
With a Microsoft account, you can:
Enjoy one-time signing in if you are using other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, Skype, and Outlook.
com.
Sync personalized settings across other Windows-based devices.
© Copyright Lenovo 2019 11

Windows user interface
1. Account Change account settings, lock the computer, or sign out from the current account.
2. Documents Open the Documents folder, a default folder to save your received files.
3. Pictures Open the Pictures folder, a default folder to save your received pictures.
4. Settings Launch Settings.
5. Power Shut down, restart, or put the computer into sleep mode.
6. Start button Open the Start menu.
7. Windows Search Type what you are looking for in the search box and get search results from your
computer and the Web.
8. Task View Display all opened apps and switch among them.
9. Windows notification area Display notifications and status of some features.
10. Battery status icon Display power status and change battery or power settings. When your computer
is not connected to ac power, the icon changes to .
11. Network icon Connect to an available wireless network and display the network status. When
connected to a wired network, the icon changes to .
12. Action center Display the latest notifications from apps and provide quick access to some
features.
Open the Start menu
Click the Start button.
Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard.
Access Control Panel
Open the Start menu and click Windows System ➙ Control Panel.
12 L490/L590 User Guide

Use Windows Search.
Launch an app
Open the Start menu and select the app you want to launch.
Use Windows Search.
Windows label
Your computer might have a Windows 10 Genuine Microsoft label affixed to its cover depending on the
following factors:
Your geographic location
Edition of Windows 10 that is preinstalled
Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx for illustrations of the various types of
Genuine Microsoft labels.
In the People’s Republic of China, the Genuine Microsoft label is required on all computer models
preinstalled with any version of Windows 10.
In other countries and regions, the Genuine Microsoft label is required only on computer models licensed
for Windows 10 Pro.
The absence of a Genuine Microsoft label does not indicate that the preinstalled Windows version is not
genuine. For details on how to tell whether your preinstalled Windows product is genuine, refer to the
information provided by Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/default.aspx.
There are no external, visual indicators of the Product ID or Windows version for which the computer is
licensed. Instead, the Product ID is recorded in the computer firmware. Whenever a Windows 10 product is
installed, the installation program checks the computer firmware for a valid, matching Product ID to complete
the activation.
In some cases, an earlier Windows version might be preinstalled under the terms of the Windows 10 Pro
license downgrade rights.
Connect to networks
Your computer helps you connect to the world through a wired or wireless network.
Connect to the wired Ethernet
Connect your computer to a local network through the Ethernet connector on your computer with an
Ethernet cable.
Note: If the computer is connected to a supported docking station or dock, use the Ethernet connector on
the docking station or dock instead of the one on the computer.
Connect to Wi-Fi networks
1. Click the network icon in the Windows notification area. A list of available wireless networks is displayed.
2. Select a network available for connection. Provide required information, if needed.
Connect to a cellular network
If your computer has a wireless wide area network (WAN) card and a nano-SIM card installed, you can
connect to a cellular data network and get online using the cellular signal.
Chapter 2.Get started with your computer 13

Note: The cellular service is provided by authorized mobile service carriers in some countries or regions.
You must have a cellular plan from a service carrier to connect to the cellular network.
To establish a cellular connection:
1. Locate the nano-SIM card slot.
2. Install a nano-SIM card into the card slot.
a. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole in the tray and the tray ejects.
b. Install a new nano-SIM card into the tray with the metal contacts facing downward.
c. Insert the tray into the nano-SIM card slot until you hear a click.
3. Click the network icon in the Windows notification area, and then select the cellular network icon from
the list.
4. Provide required information if needed.
Use Lenovo Vantage
The preinstalled Lenovo Vantage is a customized one-stop solution to help you maintain your computer with
automated updates and fixes, configure hardware settings, and get personalized support.
Access Lenovo Vantage
Open the Start menu and click Lenovo Vantage. You also can type Lenovo Vantage in the search box.
To download the latest version of Lenovo Vantage, go to Microsoft Store and search by the app name.
Key features
Lenovo Vantage enables you to:
Know the device status easily and customize device settings.
Download and install UEFI BIOS, firmware, and driver updates to keep your computer up-to-date.
Monitor your computer health, and secure your computer against outside threats.
Look up warranty status (online).
Access User Guide and helpful articles.
Notes:
The available features vary depending on the computer model.
14 L490/L590 User Guide