Lenovo IdeaPad: Linux USB Stuck at Boot (NVMe Timeout) Fix

Lenovo IdeaPad: Linux (Tails, Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, etc.) USB Stuck at Boot (NVMe Timeout) — Fix with AHCI/VMD + Boot Parameter

If your Linux (Tails, Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, etc.) boots to a black menu (GRUB) and then gets stuck on a scrolling text screen with messages like “nvme0 … timeout” or “Timed out while waiting for udev queue to empty”, this is usually a Lenovo storage controller / NVMe compatibility issue — not a bad USB.

Symptoms

  • You see the Tails boot menu (multiple Tails options).
  • Choosing Tails (including Troubleshooting Mode) shows lots of text and then stops progressing.
  • You may see: nvme0 … I/O timeout or Timed out while waiting for udev queue to empty.

Before you start (quick checks)

  • Plug the USB directly into the laptop (avoid hubs/adapters).
  • Try a different USB port if available.
  • In BIOS: ensure USB Boot = Enabled and Fast Boot = Disabled.

Fix #1 (Recommended): BIOS Storage Setting (AHCI / VMD / Intel RST)

Many Lenovo IdeaPads ship with Intel RST or VMD enabled. Some Linux systems (including Tails) can hang during boot on certain NVMe controllers when those modes are enabled.

Step-by-step

  1. Power the laptop fully OFF.
  2. Power it on and immediately tap F2 to enter BIOS Setup. (Some models use the Novo button.)
  3. Go to Configuration or Storage (wording varies).
  4. Look for one of the following settings (you may only see one):
    • Intel RST / RST Premium → change to AHCI
    • VMD Controller → set to Disabled
    • Storage Controller Mode → set to AHCI
  5. Also set (recommended):
    • Secure Boot → Disabled (temporarily)
    • Fast Boot → Disabled
    • USB Boot → Enabled
  6. Save & Exit (usually F10).
  7. Boot the USB again and select Tails (first option) and press Enter.

Important note: Windows-safe (no panic)

If Windows was originally installed with Intel RST enabled, switching to AHCI can sometimes cause Windows to not boot immediately. This is normal and fully reversible.

  • You can always return to BIOS and switch AHCI → RST to restore Windows instantly.
  • If you want to keep AHCI permanently, we can provide safe steps (no reinstall required) for many systems.

Fix #2 (No BIOS change): Add one boot parameter (NVMe timeout fix)

If your BIOS does not offer AHCI/VMD/RST options (or you prefer not to change them), you can often boot by adding a single parameter that disables an NVMe power-saving state.

Step-by-step

  1. Boot to the black Tails GRUB menu.
  2. Highlight Tails (first option).
  3. Press e to edit the boot entry.
  4. Find the line that starts with linux and ends with quiet (or similar).
  5. At the end of that line, add a space and paste:
nvme_core.default_ps_max_latency_us=0
  1. Press Ctrl + X (or F10) to boot.

If Tails boots successfully with this parameter, it confirms this is an NVMe power/firmware compatibility issue on that laptop.

Last Resort: Recreate the Linux (Tails, Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, etc.) (clean reset)

If the laptop still won’t boot after Fix #1 and Fix #2, recreate the USB to rule out corruption.

Option A (Windows / Mac — easiest)

  1. Download the latest Tails from the official Tails website.
  2. Use balenaEtcher to flash Tails onto the USB.
  3. Safely eject the USB and try booting again.

Option B (Linux-t