Modern ultrabooks from Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air series have gained popularity due to stylish design and performance, but access to low-level system settings is implemented outside the box. Users often have difficulty trying to change download priority or activate Virtualization Technology, as familiar login methods may not work due to features. UEFI-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to get into firmware settings, including the use of hotkeys and Windows system tools.
Before you start manipulating, it is important to understand that the BIOS interface (or, more correctly, UEFI) is responsible for the interaction of the operating system with the hardware. Misconception of critical parameters can lead to unstable operation of the device, so all actions must be performed consciously. We will look at methods that are guaranteed to work on 13.3 and 15.6 inch models of different years of release.
There are several ways to achieve this goal, from classic keystrokes at start to program call through the interface of Windows 10 or 11. Xiaomi uses specific timings of the keyboard survey, so the speed of the user’s reaction plays a key role. Below are proven algorithms of actions that will help you access the hidden settings of the laptop.
The main hot keys for entering the BIOS
The most common and quick way to get into the basic I/O settings is to use the keyboard function keys. For Xiaomi Mi Air laptops, the primary key is F2. You need to press and hold this key immediately after power is turned on, before the company logo appears on the screen. If the standard method doesn't work, try the Fn + F2 combination, since on some models the functional range works in multimedia mode by default.
An alternative is the F12 key, which calls the Boot Menu, from there you can go to UEFI settings if it is on the list. Some motherboard revisions also use the Esc or even Del key, although this is more the exception than the rule for the Mi Notebook line. It is important to keep the rhythm of the presses: do not pinch the button dead, but press it quickly and often.
⚠️ Warning: If your laptop is in hibernation or deep sleep, you may not be able to log in to the BIOS without a full reboot. Be sure to follow the "Complete Work" command and then turn the device on again.
Time is critical. The interval between powering on and starting to boot the operating system to the power grid. SSD-Xiaomi drives are very small. If you see the Mi logo, but you didn't log in, you missed the moment. Then wait for Windows to boot, restart the system, and try again, increasing the frequency of clicks.
Programmatic input through Windows settings
If physical access to the keyboard is difficult or download timings are too fast, Windows provides a robust software method for logging into UEFI. This is especially relevant for devices with Quick Start enabled, which often blocks keyboard polling at start.
In the window that opens, select Update & Security (for Windows 10) or System → Recovery (for Windows 11). We are interested in "Special Boot Options." By clicking Reboot Now in this section, you initiate a transition to the diagnostic menu, bypassing the standard POST procedure.
After rebooting on the blue screen, select the sequence of actions: Troubleshooting and troubleshooting → Additional settings → UEFI built-in software settings. Pressing the Reboot button in this menu will automatically send the Xiaomi Mi Air laptop directly to the BIOS interface, eliminating the need to catch the on time. This is the most stable method for beginners.
☑️ Checking before entering BIOS
Using the command line to reboot
For users who prefer CLI-It's a very simple way to call the recovery menu through the command line, and it's a very time-consuming way to avoid wandering around the Windows settings menu. Open the command line on behalf of the administrator, or use PowerShell.
Enter the following command to immediately restart to Restore mode:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00The /o option indicates the system to move to additional boot parameters, and /r initiates a reboot. Once the command is completed, the system will restart, and you will be left to select Search and troubleshooting, as described in the previous section. This method is universal for all versions of Windows installed on Xiaomi.
Another useful command is to directly call UEFI settings if the system supports the relevant ACPI standards. However, Mi Notebook Air laptops most often work with the transition through the recovery menu. Using the command line eliminates the human factor associated with misses on menu buttons.
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If the built-in laptop keyboard does not respond to pressing F2 When downloading, try to connect the external USB-Sometimes the controllers of the built-in keyboard are initialized later than required to enter the keyboard. BIOS.
Table of keyboard shortcuts for different Xiaomi models
Xiaomi’s line of laptops is quite diverse, and while most Air models are unified in management, there are nuances for different generations. Below is a summary table that will help you navigate depending on the specific modification of your device.
| Laptop model | The main BIOS key | Boot Menu keyboard | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Notebook Air 13.3 | F2 | F12 | It requires a quick press. |
| Mi Notebook Air 15.6 | F2 | F12 | Possible combination of Fn+F2 |
| Mi Notebook Pro | F2 | F12 | Strict launch timing |
| RedmiBook 14 | F2 | F12 | Sensitive to sticking |
Importantly, in some regions, keys can be reprogrammed at the firmware level. If standard pairings don't work, it makes sense to check the documentation for a specific revision of the motherboard. However, in 95% of cases, the F2 key is used to log into the Setup Utility.
Also, consider the battery condition. CMOS. If the settings BIOS They're constantly resetting after the power is turned off, and it's probably hardware, not login methods, and in these cases, login can happen automatically, asking for time and date settings.
Solving problems with access to BIOS
A common problem for Xiaomi Mi Air owners is ignoring the keystrokes of the system. This may be due to the enabled Fast Boot function in UEFI itself, which reduces the polling time of the peripherals. If you can’t get into the settings either way, try to completely shut down the laptop: turn off the charger and press the power button for 10-15 seconds to reset the static charge.
Another cause may be software conflict or damage to Windows system files, in which case it helps to create a boot flash drive with a Windows or Linux image. When booting from an external medium, it is often possible to press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS settings, as the download priority changes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to question BIOS, Updating the microcode on Xiaomi Mi Air unnecessarily can lead to "fixing" of the device, which is difficult to restore at home.
If nothing works, you can try the "forced interrupt" method. Turn on your laptop and, as soon as the Mi logo appears, press the power button before turning off. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times. The Windows diagnostic system will consider this as a critical error and will offer a recovery menu from where you can go to UEFI.
What to do if the BIOS is blocked by a password?
Configure the loading and virtualization parameters
Once you enter the BIOS Setup interface, you will see a rather ascetic menu, typical of Xiaomi devices. The main settings are in the Boot or Security tab, and this is where users most often search for the Virtualization Technology (VT-x) option necessary for Android emulators or virtual machines.
To activate virtualization, go to Advanced or System Configuration. Find Intel Virtualization Technology and switch it to Enabled. After that, be sure to save the changes by pressing F10 and selecting Yes. The laptop will restart and the changes will take effect.
You can also change the priority of boot devices in the Boot menu, which is useful if you want to install the operating system from a flash drive, move your USB HDD or your drive name to the top of the list, and make sure that the boot mode (Legacy/UEFI) meets the requirements of the OS you are installing.
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Changes to the BIOS only take effect after saving (Save & Exit), and simply pressing Esc without saving will result in the disregard of all the settings made.