Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 CAT4 User manual

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux
User Guide

Read this first
Before using this documentation and the product it supports, ensure that ou read and understand the
following:
• Safety and Warranty Guide
• Setup Guide
• Generic Safety and Compliance Notices
First Edition (January 2024)
© Copyright Lenovo 2024.
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
A out this documentation . . . . . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your computer . . . . . 1
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Side view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bottom view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
USB connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2. Get started with your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Get started with our desktop . . . . . . . . . . 7
Manage networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connect to a cellular network (for selected
models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Airplane mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Interact with our computer . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Use the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Use the ke board shortcuts . . . . . . . . . 9
Use the TrackPoint pointing device . . . . . 10
Use the trackpad . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connect to an external displa . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 3. Explore your computer . . 13
Use the Intelligent Cooling feature . . . . . . . 13
Use the P-to-P 2.0 charging function . . . . . . 13
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device . . . . . 14
Enabling Nvidia proprietar drivers in Fedora (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Purchase options . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 4. Secure your computer
and information . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Use the fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Use passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Password t pes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Set, change, and remove a password . . . . 19
Use Power Loss Protection function . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 5. Configure advanced
settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
What is UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Enter the UEFI BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . 23
Navigate in the UEFI BIOS interface . . . . . 23
Change the startup sequence . . . . . . . 23
Detect memor retraining (for Intel models
onl ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Set the s stem date and time. . . . . . . . 24
Recover the UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . 24
Update UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 6. CRU replacement . . . . . 27
CRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Disable the built-in batter . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Base cover assembl . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Wireless WAN card and wireless WAN card
bracket (for selected models) . . . . . . . . 29
M.2 solid-state drive and bracket . . . . . . 31
Chapter 7. Help and support . . . . . 33
Frequentl asked questions . . . . . . . . . . 33
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Before ou contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 36
Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 37
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix A. Compliance
information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix B. Notices and
trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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ii ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

A out this documentation
• Illustrations in this documentation might look different from our product.
• Depending on the model, some optional accessories, features, software programs, and user interface
instructions might not be applicable to our computer.
• Documentation content is subject to change without notice. To get the latest documentation, go to https://
pcsupport.lenovo.com.
© Cop right Lenovo 2024 iii

iv ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your computer
Front view
Item Description Item Description
Microphone Infrared camera / Camera
Webcam privac shutter TrackPoint® pointing stick
Fingerprint reader Trackpad
TrackPoint buttons
© Cop right Lenovo 2024 1

* for selected models
We cam privacy shutter
Slide the webcam privac shutter to cover or uncover the camera lens. It is designed to protect our privac .
2ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

Side view
Item Description Item Description
USB-A connector (USB 5Gbps, Alwa s
On USB) USB-C® connector (Thunderbolt™ 4)
Nano-SIM-card tra Power button
Audio connector USB-A connector (USB 5Gbps)
HDMI™ connector Securit -lock slot
Statement on USB transfer rate
Depending on man factors such as the processing capabilit of the host and peripheral devices, file
attributes, and other factors related to s stem configuration and operating environments, the actual transfer
rate using the various USB connectors on this device will var and will be slower than the data rate listed in
the connector name or below for each corresponding device.
USB device Data rate (G ps)
Thunderbolt 3 40
Thunderbolt 4 40
Chapter 1.Meet our computer 3

Bottom view
Emergency-reset hole
If the computer stops responding and ou cannot turn it off b pressing the power button, reset our
computer:
1. Disconnect our computer from ac power.
2. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole to cut off power suppl temporaril .
3. Connect our computer to ac power and then turn on our computer.
CAUTION:
When the computer is operating, it should e placed on a hard and flat surface with its ottom area
not in contact with user’s are skin. Under normal operating conditions, the temperature of the
ottom surface will remain within an accepta le range as defined in IEC 62368-1, ut such
temperatures can still e high enough to cause discomfort or harm to the user if directly touched for
over one minute at a time. As such, it is recommended that users avoid prolonged direct contact with
the ottom of the computer.
4ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

USB connectors
Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on our computer.
Connector name Description
• USB-A connector (Hi-Speed USB)
• USB-A connector (USB 5Gbps)
• USB-A connector (USB 10Gbps)
Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB ke board, USB
mouse, USB storage device, or USB printer.
• USB-C connector (USB 5Gbps)
• USB-C connector (USB 10Gbps)
• USB-C connector (Thunderbolt 3)
• USB-C connector (Thunderbolt 4)
• USB-C connector (USB 40Gbps)
• USB-C connector (DP Alt mode DP2.1)
• Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output voltage and
current of 5 V and 1.5 A.
• Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand our computer
functionalit . To purchase USB-C accessories, go to https://
www.lenovo.com/accessories.
Chapter 1.Meet our computer 5

6ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

Chapter 2. Get started with your computer
Get started with your desktop
Launch an app
• Use the super ke (with the Windows logo) or open the Activities menu on the top left and t pe in the
name of the application ou want to launch.
• Click the "show application" menu (For the Fedora operating s stem, ou can see the menu after opening
Activities menu) on the lower left and t pe in the name of the application ou want to launch.
Launch settings
Select the s stem menu arrow on the top right and click on Settings.
Get support
• For the Ubuntu operating s stem, see the Ubuntu documentation site at https://help.ubuntu.com/lts/
ubuntu-help/index.html.
• For the Fedora operating s stem, see the Fedora project wiki at https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Fedora_
Project_Wiki.
• The Gnome desktop is installed b default and is designed to be simple and eas to use. Details on using
Gnome are available b launching the Help application or online at https://help.gnome.org/users/.
Manage networks
Your computer helps ou connect to the world through a wired or wireless network.
© Cop right Lenovo 2024 7

Connect to a cellular network (for selected models)
To connect a 4G cellular data network, ou must have a wireless wide area network (WWAN) card and a
nano-SIM card installed. The nano-SIM card might come with our computer b countries or regions. If no
nano-SIM card is shipped, ou need to purchase one from authorized service carriers.
Notes:
• Depending on the model, our computer might have no WWAN card installed. The 4G cellular service is
provided b 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. The cellular data plan might var b location.
• For details on Linux WWAN status for our platform, refer to https://www.lenovo.com/linux/wwan-
enablement-on-Linux.pdf. Check here first if WWAN is supported on Linux for our platform.
• Network connection speeds might also var b location, environment, network conditions and other
factors.
To establish a cellular connection:
1. Go to https://support.lenovo.com and select the entr for our computer. Download the wwan-linux-fcc-
unlock package from the product support page. Make sure to check the README to confirm if an
restrictions for our geograph appl , and to get instructions on how to install the application.
Note: This installs the utilities that are needed to unlock our modem and enable it to run under Linux.
2. Turn off the computer.
3. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole in the nano-SIM-card tra . The tra ejects. Install a nano-
SIM card as shown and insert the tra into the nano-SIM card slot. Note the orientation of the card and
ensure that it is seated correctl .
4. Turn on the computer.
5. Click the network icon, and then select the cellular network icon from the list. Provide required
information, if needed.
Airplane mode
When the Airplane mode is enabled, all wireless features are disabled.
To enable or disable the Airplane mode:
1. Use the s stem menu drop down (top right) and choose Settings.
2. Click the Wi-Fi option.
3. Turn on or turn off the Airplane mode switch.
Interact with your computer
Your computer provides ou various wa s to navigate the screen.
8ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

Use the camera
• Take pictures or record videos b using the Cheese application. The indicator next to the camera is on
when the camera is in use.
• If ou use other apps that support photographing, video chatting, and video conference, the camera starts
automaticall when ou enable the camera-required feature from the app.
Note: IR function is currentl limited in Linux. Make sure the regular camera mode is selected if ou see gra
lines.
Use the key oard shortcuts
The special ke s on the ke board help ou work more easil and effectivel .
FnLock and function keys
Key / Key com ination Function description
Fn + FnLock
Switch between the special and standard functions of the function ke s (F1–F8).
Function ke s provide two sets of functions: special function and standard
function. Icons on the ke denote the special function, such as and .
Characters on the ke denote the standard function, such as F1 and F2.
LED indicator on Esc ke indicates which function of the function ke s is enabled:
• When the indicator is off, the special function is enabled.
• When the indicator is on, the standard function is enabled.
Mute / Unmute (Speakers).
Decrease volume.
Increase volume.
Enable / Disable the microphone.
Increase screen brightness.
Decrease screen brightness.
Select and set up displa devices.
Print Screen.
Other general key oard shortcuts
Key com ination Function description
Fn + Adjust the ke board backlight.
Fn + Go to beginning.
Fn + Go to end.
Fn + Tab Open Magnifier.
Fn + 4 Enter sleep mode.
Fn + B Break operation.
Fn + K Scroll contents.
Chapter 2.Get started with our computer 9

Key com ination Function description
Fn + P Pause operation.
Fn + S Send s stem request.
Use the TrackPoint pointing device
The TrackPoint pointing device enables ou to perform all the functions of a traditional mouse, such as
pointing, clicking, and scrolling.
Use the TrackPoint pointing device
1. Pointing stick
Use our index finger or middle finger to appl pressure to the pointing-stick nonslip cap in an direction
parallel to the ke board. The pointer on the screen moves accordingl but the pointing stick itself does not
move. The higher the pressure applied, the faster the pointer moves.
2. Left-click utton
Press to select or open an item.
3. Right-click utton
Press to displa a shortcut menu.
4. Middle utton
Press and hold the dotted middle button while appl ing pressure to the pointing stick in the vertical or
horizontal direction. Then, ou can scroll through the document, Web site, or apps.
10 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

Replace the pointing-stick nonslip cap
Note: Ensure that the new cap has grooves a.
Use the trackpad
The entire trackpad surface is sensitive to finger touch and movement. You can use the trackpad to perform
all the pointing, clicking, and scrolling functions of a traditional mouse. Tap on the surface of the trackpad
with one finger to perform the left-click action, with two fingers to perform the right-click action.
Use the touch gestures
Illustration Description
Tap
Tap an where on the trackpad with one finger to select or open an
item.
Two-finger tap
Tap an where on the trackpad with two fingers to displa a shortcut
menu.
Two-finger scroll
Put two fingers on the trackpad and move them in the vertical or
horizontal direction. This action enables ou to scroll through the
document, Web site, or apps.
Chapter 2.Get started with our computer 11

Illustration Description
Two-finger zoom out
Put two fingers on the trackpad and move them closer together to
zoom out.
Two-finger zoom in
Put two fingers on the trackpad and move them farther apart to zoom
in.
Notes:
• When using two or more fingers, ensure that ou position our fingers slightl apart.
• Some gestures are not available if the last action was done from the TrackPoint pointing device.
• Some gestures are onl available when ou are using certain apps.
• If the trackpad surface is stained with oil, turn off the computer first. Then, gentl wipe the trackpad
surface with a soft and lint-free cloth moistened with lukewarm water or computer cleaner.
For more gestures, see the help information of the pointing device.
Connect to an external display
Connect our computer to a projector or a monitor to give presentations or expand our workspace.
Connect to a wired display
1. Connect the external displa to an appropriate video connector on our computer.
2. Connect the external displa to an electrical outlet.
3. Turn on the external displa .
If our computer cannot detect the external displa , right-click a blank area on the desktop, and then click
Display settings.
Set the display mode
Press F7 or Fn + F7 and then select a displa mode of our preference.
Change display settings
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select Display settings.
2. Select the displa that ou want to configure.
3. Change displa settings of our preference.
You can change the settings for both the computer displa and the external displa . For example, ou can
define which one is the main displa and which one is the secondar displa . You also can change the
resolution and orientation.
Note: If ou set a higher resolution for the computer displa than the external displa , onl part of the screen
can be displa ed on the external displa .
12 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide

Chapter 3. Explore your computer
Use the Intelligent Cooling feature
The Intelligent Cooling feature enables our computer to work in the following three modes:
• Power Saver mode: the quietest fan speed
• Balanced mode: balanced performance and fan speed
• Performance mode: the highest performance and normal fan speed
Your computer starts up in balanced mode b default, do the following to switch to the preferred mode:
• Press Fn+L to switch to power saver mode.
• Press Fn+M to switch to balanced mode.
• Press Fn+H to switch to performance mode.
Use the P-to-P 2.0 charging function
The USB-C connector on the computer features the Lenovo-unique P-to-P 2.0 charging function. When no
ac power is available, this feature enables one computer to suppl power to another computer through a
USB-C to USB-C cable. When ac power is available for onl one computer, this feature enables both
computers to get charged b ac power.
Before using the function, ensure that:
• The selected connectors support the P-to-P 2.0 charging function and power deliver function.
• Always On USB and Charge in Battery Mode are enabled in UEFI BIOS of both computers, so that the
function works even when the computers are off or in hibernation mode. To enable Always On USB and
Charge in Battery Mode:
1. Enter the UEFI BIOS menu. See “Enter the UEFI BIOS menu” on page 23.
2. Click Config ➙ USB to enable Always On USB and Charge in Battery Mode.
Note: The actual charging speed using the Lenovo-unique P-to-P 2.0 charging function varies depending on
man factors, such as the remaining batter power of the computers, the wattage of the ac power adapter,
and whether ou are using the computers.
Set the power plan
For ENERGY STAR® compliant computers, the following power plan takes effect when our computers have
been idle for a specified duration:
• Turn off the displa : After 5 minutes
© Cop right Lenovo 2024 13

• Put the computer to sleep: After 20 minutes
To reset the power plan to achieve the best balance between performance and power saving:
1. Click on the batter s mbol in the s stem menu drop down box and select Power Settings.
2. Choose or customize a power plan of our preference.
Connect to a Bluetooth-ena led device
You can connect all t pes of Bluetooth-enabled devices to our computer, such as a ke board, a mouse, a
smartphone, or speakers. To ensure the connection is successful, place the devices 10 meters (33 feet), at
most, from the computer.
1. Turn on Bluetooth on the computer.
• Click the s stem menu drop down (top right) and choose Settings.
• Choose the Bluetooth menu and enable Bluetooth with the toggle button at the top.
2. An discoverable devices will be shown in the Devices list.
3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Your Bluetooth-enabled device and computer will automaticall connect the next time if the two devices are
in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on. You can use Bluetooth for data transfer or remote control
and communication.
Ena ling Nvidia proprietary drivers in Fedora (for selected models)
Your computer might come with an Nvidia card. The Nvidia proprietar drivers that will enable ou to take
advantage of performance benefits and new graphics functionalit are not installed b default with Fedora.
To enable the proprietar drivers:
1. Launch the Software utilit .
2. From the top right selection box choose Software Repositories.
3. Enable third part repositories.
4. Enable RPM Fusion for Fedora ➙ Nonfree ➙ Nvidia Driver and close the Software Repositories
window.
5. Go to the updates tab and click on the curved arrow on the top left to refresh the software cache.
Reboot the machine and launch the Software utilit again.
6. Select Add-ons on the bottom right and choose the Hardware Drivers tab.
7. Select NVIDIA Linux Graphics Driver.
8. Select Install and wait for the installation to complete. This can take a few minutes.
9. Reboot and confirm Nvidia drivers are running using the nvidia-settings utilit .
Accessories
This chapter provides instructions on how to use hardware accessories to expand our computer
capabilities.
14 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Linux User Guide