FAQ
TL;DR: Hit a BitLocker/ESP install block on a ThinkPad L580? "Recovery with an OS image should be ~3.5GB." Clean-install on GPT, delete old system partitions, then confirm WinRE with reagentc /info. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17169288]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps ThinkPad L580 owners and Windows installers quickly resolve BitLocker/ESP errors and validate recovery.
Quick Facts
- L580 installer view showed 260 MB EFI, 16 MB MSR, 237.2 GB system, and 1 GB recovery before reinstall. [Elektroda, 4m4ru, post #17167857]
- Successful fix: delete the system partition, create a new NTFS partition from unallocated space, and install Windows. [Elektroda, 4m4ru, post #17168819]
- UEFI uses GPT; Legacy/CSM uses MBR. UEFI boots faster and supports larger partition counts. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17168009]
- Plan ~3.5 GB if you want a bootable recovery image; check status with reagentc /info. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17169288]
- If F-keys don’t open recovery after Linux changes, recovery is likely damaged; clean-install from the Windows installer. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17167975]
How do I fix "BitLocker enabled" and "ESP" errors during Windows 10 setup on a ThinkPad L580?
Delete the existing Windows system partition from Setup. Create a new NTFS partition in the unallocated space. Proceed with installation. Windows will recreate needed UEFI partitions, and the install will complete without the BitLocker/ESP block. This exact approach resolved the issue for the original poster. [Elektroda, 4m4ru, post #17168819]
Will Windows recreate EFI and Recovery partitions automatically if I delete partitions?
Yes. When you install to unallocated space, Windows Setup creates a new EFI System Partition and a Recovery partition automatically. After reinstall on the L580, users reported a 260 MB EFI partition and a 1 GB recovery partition created by Setup. [Elektroda, 4m4ru, post #17168819]
Which partitions is it safe to delete in the installer?
Delete the Windows-created system areas, then create a fresh partition for installation. In this case, experts advised deleting partitions 1, 2, and 3 before creating a new target partition. "Delete 1, 2 and 3 partitions, then create a new one." [Elektroda, Brivido, post #17167905]
What key opens Lenovo recovery (WinRE) on this model?
Use F9 at startup to launch Windows Recovery (WinRE). If that fails, try F11. One expert put it plainly: "Press F9 to start and use WinRE to recover the system." [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17167955]
F9/F11 don’t work—what now?
Recovery was likely damaged by prior Linux partitioning or changes. Use a clean Windows install from USB and let Setup rebuild partitions. As one expert advised, "format the whole disk and create the system partition in the windows installer, then install 'from scratch'." [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17167975]
What partition layout did the L580 show before the reinstall?
The installer displayed: 260 MB EFI System, 16 MB MSR (Reserved), 237.2 GB System, and 1,000 MB WinRE_DRV. Selecting the large partition triggered BitLocker/ESP messages. This layout reflects a GPT/UEFI setup with a recovery volume. [Elektroda, 4m4ru, post #17167857]
My recovery partition is ~1 GB and looks empty. Is that normal?
A 1 GB partition may not hold a full bootable recovery image. One expert notes, "Recovery with an OS image should be ~ 3.5GB." Use reagentc /info to confirm Windows RE is enabled and path is set. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17169288]
How do I check if WinRE is configured after reinstall?
Open Command Prompt as admin and run: reagentc /info. Confirm Windows RE Status shows Enabled and the path points to the recovery location. This verifies that the recovery environment is properly registered after your clean install. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17169288]
Should I use UEFI/GPT or Legacy/MBR on the L580?
Use UEFI with GPT. It supports more and larger partitions and provides faster boot. The L580 shipped with UEFI configured from the factory, so staying with GPT aligns with the intended platform. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17168009]
Why does bootrec /fixboot return "Access is denied" here?
This often happens when partitions or boot files are out of place post-Linux edits. Instead of repairing, follow the simpler path: clean-install from the Windows installer, which rebuilds the boot structure and resolves access issues. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17167975]
I don’t see an MSR partition after reinstall—should I worry?
The system can still boot and operate without a visible MSR in Disk Management. The L580 case worked fine post-install with an EFI, the main Windows partition, and a recovery partition. Focus on stability and WinRE status. [Elektroda, 4m4ru, post #17168819]
Can I reinstall Ubuntu alongside Windows 10 after fixing this?
Yes. Use Ubuntu’s “Install alongside Windows” option to set up dual-boot. It will install GRUB and detect Windows. This avoids manual partitioning for most users and keeps both systems accessible. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17167997]
Step-by-step: How do I clean-install Windows 10 on GPT/UEFI after Linux?
- Boot the Windows 10 USB in UEFI mode and start Setup.
- On the partition screen, delete the existing Windows/ESP/MSR entries (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
- Create a new partition from unallocated space and install; Windows will add EFI and Recovery. [Elektroda, Brivido, post #17167905]
I want to keep Linux—what’s the safer boot approach?
Restore or reinstall Linux and GRUB, then let GRUB chainload Windows. This avoids tampering with Windows boot files and keeps both OSes available from one menu. It’s a practical long-term setup. [Elektroda, safbot1st, post #17167975]
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