Lenovo accused of blocking non-Windows operating systems on its PCs

Posted on Thursday, September 22 2016 @ 16:34 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Lenovo logo
Lenovo is at the center of a new scandal as users are complaining it's impossible to install a different operating system on some of the Chinese PC maker's new computers.

The issue seems to affect the Yoga 900S and Yoga 710S laptops, which are part of the Microsoft Signature Edition program. These laptops come with a special Signature Edition version of Windows 10 Home installed, and numerous users are fuming because it's impossible to install another operating system on these laptops.

The reason for this is because Lenovo locked the SATA controller mode in the BIOS, and uses a proprietary RAID mode that is not supported by any Linux installer. Drivers are exclusively available for Windows so this makes it effectively impossible to install Linux or any other operating system.

After a user submitted a 1-star review on the Best Buy website, a Lenovo Product Expert replied that this system is locked as per Lenovo's agreement with Microsoft, thereby fueling speculation that Microsoft is closing deals to exclude Linux:

Lenovo response screenshot

In a response to The Inquirer, Lenovo denied any wrongdoing and said the issue has nothing to do with Microsoft. Regardless, the end result remains the same as Lenovo suggests Linux OS developers should write drivers for its unsupported laptops:
"To improve system performance, Lenovo is leading an industry trend of adopting RAID on the SSDs in certain product configurations," a Lenovo spokesperson said.

"Lenovo does not intentionally block customers using other operating systems on its devices and is fully committed to providing Linux certifications and installation guidance on a wide range of products.

"Unsupported models will rely on Linux operating system vendors releasing new kernel and drivers to support features such as RAID on SSD."


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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