How to set up the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, from unboxing to a working test. It's the room's computer: it runs the meeting platform and connects to the camera, audio, displays and touch controller.
Before you start: check the box
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2
- AC adapter
- BYOM cable, USB-C to USB-C, 3 m
- VESA mount bracket
- Quick Start Guide
What you need
- Ports on the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: Ports: 2x HDMI out 2.1, 2x USB-C 10Gbps, 3x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x USB-A 2.0, Ethernet; HDMI in and USB-C BYOM in on select models; Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3.
- For appliance mode: a wired Ethernet drop (recommended over Wi-Fi), a display with HDMI input, a touch controller, and a Teams or Zoom account and license for the room.
Step by step
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Find a home for it. Mount it behind the display or under the table where it gets airflow and the cables to the camera, display and controller reach without extenders. See ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 mounting and placement.
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Connect power and cables. Connect the power adapter. Then connect the cables your setup needs (Ports: 2x HDMI out 2.1, 2x USB-C 10Gbps, 3x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x USB-A 2.0, Ethernet, HDMI in and USB-C BYOM in on select models). Use the cables in the box first; long runs may need the manufacturer's extender.
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Run Teams Rooms setup. Connect the displays, camera, audio and touch console, then power on. The room software setup starts on the display: sign in with the room's resource account, then enroll the room in Teams Rooms Pro Management or your device management tool.
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Update the firmware. Update to the latest firmware before you go live. See Updating the firmware below.
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Run a test call. Join a test meeting from the touch controller and check the camera, microphones, speakers and content sharing all work through the room PC.
Updating the firmware
Update to the latest firmware before you go live, using the manufacturer's app or the device's settings.
- Don't unplug power or USB while an update runs.
- Update one room first, test a call, then roll out to the rest.
Manual and documentation
Lenovo's user manual for the ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: open the PDF. Check it for exact port diagrams and admin settings for your firmware version.
If something doesn't work
Start with ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 troubleshooting. Want it done for you? We plan rooms and ship them ready to install. Get a quote.
More ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 guides
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 buyer's guide: specs and price
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: troubleshooting
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: mounting and placement
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: Teams, Zoom and Google Meet
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: price and total room cost
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: full specs
- ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: alternatives compared
- All Lenovo room PCs compared
Related guides
- How to set up the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 Full Room Kit
- How to mount the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2
- Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 alternatives compared
- Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 not working? Fixes
- Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 price and total room cost
- Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2 specs, dimensions and weight
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