Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air laptops have gained popularity thanks to their stylish design and metal body, but access to the basic I/O system on these devices often puts users at a loss. Standard methods that work on most PCs may not work here the first time because of the features of UEFI firmware and fast Windows boot. Understanding the login algorithm is necessary to change the priority of boot devices, disable Secure Boot or activate virtualization.
Unlike traditional desktop computers, which have a few seconds to react, Xiaomi ultrabooks have a window of opportunity that is closed instantly. The user needs not only to know the key, but also to understand the timing of the press, and also to take into account the state of the operating system. In this article, we will discuss in detail all known ways to access the firmware settings, including methods through the operating OS.
Before you start manipulating, it is important to determine the exact model of your device, as the location of the keys and the behavior of the system can vary slightly depending on the year of release and the screen diagonal. We will look at options for 12.5 and 13.3 inches models, focusing on nuances that are often overlooked even by experienced users.
Standard entry keys and their features
The main way to enter the configuration environment on Xiaomi laptops is to use the keyboard function keys. In the vast majority of cases, including the Mi Notebook Air 12.5 and 13.3 models, the main key is F2. However, simply pressing it when you turn it on is not enough – you need to adhere to a strict sequence of actions.
The login process should start when the laptop is completely off. Do not put the device into sleep or hibernation mode, as a quick Windows boot may miss the keyboard survey stage. Press the power button and almost immediately start pressing F2 often and rhythmically. If you (hold) the key constantly, the system may perceive this as sticking and ignore the signal.
⚠️ Note: Some versions of the keyboard are set to multimedia functions by default. F2 It doesn’t work, try the Fn combination. + F2, send a direct signal to BIOS.
There is also an alternative F12 key that on Xiaomi laptops is responsible for calling the boot menu (Boot Menu). Although this is not a direct login to the BIOS, from this menu you can often go to the SETUP settings by selecting the appropriate item in the bottom corner of the screen.
Entering through the Windows operating system
Modern laptops, including the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air, feature Fast Boot technology, which reduces loading times to a minimum, making the traditional keyboard method extremely uncomfortable. In such cases, the most reliable and guaranteed way to log into the UEFI BIOS is to use the built-in Windows 10 or 11 tools.
To do this, you need to get into the advanced boot settings. The easiest way to do this is through the Start menu: press the Shift key on the keyboard and, without letting it go, press Reboot in the off menu. The system will not start a normal reboot, but will open a blue screen with a choice of actions. The alternative way is through the Settings: Update and Security → Restore → Special Boot Options → Reboot now.
Once you reboot, you'll see the action selection menu. You'll need to follow the path: Troubleshooting and troubleshooting. → Additional parameters → Parameters of embedded software UEFI. Clicking the “Reboot” button in this window, the laptop will enter the interface on its own. BIOS/UEFI, bypassing the keyboard survey stage.
☑️ Checking before entering via Windows
Using the command line to reboot
For users who prefer console commands or work with remote access, there is a quick way to initiate BIOS login via the command line. This method is especially relevant if the Windows GUI is unstable or the Start menu is not available.
Open the command line with administrator permissions. This can be done by finding "cmd" in the search, right-clicking and selecting "Run on behalf of the administrator." In the window that opens, you need to enter a special shutdown command with parameters indicating a reboot to firmware mode.
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00The /r option is responsible for restarting, /o triggers the menu of additional parameters, /f forcibly closes applications, and /t 00 sets the timer for 0 seconds. Once the command is executed, the system immediately reboots in the action menu, from where to go to Find and troubleshooting → Additional parameters → UEFI built-in software settings.
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Use the shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 command if a standard reboot through the Start menu does not result in a blue action screen.
Navigation and main sections of Xiaomi BIOS
The BIOS interface on Xiaomi laptops is made in the classic UEFI style, but has a simplified structure compared to gaming motherboards. Control here is carried out exclusively by the keyboard: arrows for moving, Enter for confirming and Esc for exiting or going back.
The main settings are broken down into several tabs. The Main tab contains system time, date and processor information. The Boot tab allows you to control the priority of device loading, which is critical when installing a new operating system from a flash drive. There is also the Boot Mode option where you can switch between UEFI and Legacy (CSM), although for the Mi Notebook Air it is recommended to leave UEFI.
The Security tab is a special focus, and it's where the Secure Boot switch is located, which often prevents the installation of alternative OSes or drivers, and it may require you to set the BIOS administrator password in the Set Administrator Password field to change it. Without a password, some points may be blocked for editing.
| Section (Tab) | Substantive function | Important options |
|---|---|---|
| Main | Information on the system | System Time, BIOS Version, CPU Type |
| Boot | Loading parameters | Boot Option Priorities, Boot Mode (UEFI/Legacy) |
| Security | Security | Secure Boot, Administrator Password |
| Exit | Exit and preservation | Save Changes and Exit, Discard Changes |
Solving problems with access to BIOS
The situation where the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air laptop ignores keystrokes and immediately loads Windows is common.This is often due to the fact that the Fast Startup feature in Windows keeps the kernel state of the system on disk, and when you turn on, it does not fully boot, but quickly resume work, skipping the POST (Power-On Self-Test) stage.
To get around this limitation without using the Windows Restore Menu, you can try the "forced interrupt" method. Turn on your laptop and, as soon as the Mi logo appears, press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds until the screen goes out. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times. After several failed boot attempts, the system will automatically start Auto Recovery mode, from where you can access the BIOS through the diagnostic menu.
⚠️ Note: Forced shutdown is stressful for the file system. Use it only if other methods don't work and make sure important data is stored.
Also worth checking the power settings in Windows itself. Open Control Panel, go to Power Power and select Power Button Action. Click Changes to Options That Are Not Now Available and uncheck Quick Start. Once you save the changes and fully reboot, the BIOS login window will be available for longer.
Why is Fn+F2 not working?
Resetting and exiting the BIOS
After you make changes to your firmware configuration, you need to save them correctly. The Exit tab contains critical items. The Save Changes and Exit option will write new options to non-volatile memory and restart the laptop. If you're just experimenting and aren't sure if the changes are correct, select Discard Changes and Exit to exit without saving.
In case the changes have led to unstable system operation or inability to boot, it may be necessary to reset the BIOS settings to factory values. In the Xiaomi interface, this is often done through the Load Optimal Defaults item, which is usually located in the main tab or in the Exit menu. After selecting this item, be sure to save the changes.
If the laptop stopped responding after a failed BIOS experiment, a complete static charge reset can help: Turn off the device, turn off the charger and all peripheral gadgets. Press the power button for 30-40 seconds. This action will zero out the residual charge in the capacitors and can resuscitate the power control controller, allowing you to re-enter the settings.
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Always select Save Changes and Exit after setting up, otherwise any changes you make will be lost when you restart.