Users of the Chinese giant’s laptop computers often experience unconventional boot behavior, and unlike other vendors, the entry to low-level UEFI settings can be hidden or require a specific keyboard combination, due to the optimization of the Fast Boot process, which speeds up the start of the operating system but makes it difficult to access the underlying I/O system.
The need to get into these settings arises for various reasons: changing the boot order, activating virtualization or diagnosing hardware failures. Standard methods that work on Dell or HP are often useless here. You will have to be careful about press timing and know the exact model of your device.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current login methods, including methods for cases when the keyboard does not respond to commands at the start, we will look at the features of the RedmiBook and the classic Mi Notebook, and explain why the familiar F2 key may not work without additional actions.
Standard key combinations for entry
The most common and quick way to get into the hardware configuration menu is to use the hot key immediately after power is turned on. On most Xiaomi and Redmi devices, the primary key is F2. However, simply pressing it is not enough due to aggressive energy saving policies and fast boot.
The process must be done in a strict sequence. First, turn off the laptop completely, making sure it is not in sleep or hibernation mode. Then press the power button and almost instantly start pressing F2 often. The interval between presses should be minimal so as not to miss a short moment of keyboard survey.
In some cases, especially on models with updated firmware, you need to use the Fn function key. If a normal F2 press does not work, try the Fn + F2 combination. This is true for users who have a multimedia key mode activated in the system by default.
There is also an alternative option to log in via the Esc key. On a number of models, when you press Esc, the boot device select menu appears, where often there is an Enter Setup or BIOS Setup option. This can be a salvation if the straight key is ignored by the system.
Features of the entry on models RedmiBook and Mi Notebook
The line of laptops RedmiBook and Mi Notebook has its nuances in the organization BIOS. Engineers often use specific peripheral polling algorithms at launch, and some Pro and Gaming devices have delayed initialization. USB-controller, which is why external keyboards may not have time to transmit the signal.
If you own a gaming model, note that there is a separate button or combination associated with the Gaming mode. Sometimes the input to the settings is hidden until the performance profile switches, in such cases, it is recommended to first start the laptop, log into a special management application (for example, Xiaomi Gaming Center), and from there initiate a reboot into the settings mode.
And we're going to have to look at ultrabooks with high-resolution screens, and they're going to have a process. POST (It may take longer to self-test when you turn on, but the window to enter the command is extremely short. F2 before the logo on the screen is lit.
Why Xiaomi logo might not appear?
For owners of models with a touch screen or a specific layout, it is important to remember that the built-in keyboard works at the firmware level, while the Bluetooth keyboards are not yet active at this point. Use only the built-in buttons.
Entering through Windows Recovery Environment
If the timings cannot be caught or the keyboard is ignored, the most reliable way is to use the built-in tools of the Windows 10/11 operating system. This method allows you to programmatically initiate a reboot immediately to the UEFI interface, bypassing the keyboard survey stage.
To do this, go to the system settings. Open the Start menu and select Settings (cog icon). Follow the Update and Security → Restore path. In the Special Boot Options section, click Reboot Now.
Once you reboot, you'll see a blue screen with a choice of actions. Select Find and troubleshoot, then go to Additional Settings. In the list that opens, find and select UEFI Embedded Software Settings. Clicking the Reboot button will launch the laptop right into the BIOS.
☑️ Login algorithm through Windows
This method guarantees entry regardless of download speed or state. USB-It is especially useful if you are planning to change your Secure Boot security settings, which may block third-party OSs from booting.
Using the command line to reboot
For advanced users who prefer to work with the console, there is a quick method of calling the recovery menu through the command line, which saves time on navigating the graphical interface of settings.
Open the command line with administrator privileges. Enter the following command and press Enter:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00This command will force all applications to close and restart the computer in the menu of special boot options. Further actions are similar to those described in the previous section: Troubleshooting and troubleshooting → Additional settings → UEFI firmware settings.
Alternatively, you can use the fwupdx64.exe -reset command, which directly reboots the firmware interface if supported by the current version of the BIOS. However, the shutdown method is more versatile for all versions of Windows.
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If the command line does not open, press the Shift on the keyboard and in the Start menu, click "Complete." The system will go into recovery mode automatically.
Table of keyboard combinations for different series
Different generations of laptops may require different approaches, and here is a summary table that helps you determine the priority login method depending on the series of your device.
| Laptop series | Main key | The alternative | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Notebook Air | F2 | Fn + F2 | It requires a quick press. |
| Mi Notebook Pro | F2 | Esc | Often required to log in to Windows |
| RedmiBook 14/15 | F2 | F12 | F12 opens up Boot Menu |
| Gaming Series | F2 | Del | Entry is possible through the Gaming Center |
It is worth noting that the F12 key on many RedmiBook models is responsible for calling the boot menu (Boot Menu), from there you can also often go to the BIOS settings by selecting the appropriate item at the bottom of the screen or in the list of options.
If neither combination works, it is possible that the keyboard settings activate the function key mode, requiring the mandatory Fn clamping. Try holding Fn and often pressing F2 immediately after power is turned on.
Solving problems: if the BIOS is blocked
The situation when the laptop ignores all login attempts can be caused by the enabled Fast Boot function in the BIOS itself. In this case, the system skips the keyboard survey to maximize the start, the only way out is to reset the settings through the operating system or use the method of forced interruption of the boot.
⚠️ Note: Forced interruption of download (3 consecutive times) can cause damage to the file system if the data is being written at that time.
The three-glitch method works like this: turn on your laptop and, as soon as the logo appears, press the power button for 5-10 seconds to hard shut down. Repeat the procedure 3 times. For the fourth time, the system will trigger automatic recovery, from where you can get into the Additional settings and select the UEFI login.
Another reason for blocking can be the connected periphery. USB-Devices (flash drives, external drives, hubs) conflict with the process POST. Try to turn it off. USB-the device, leaving only charging, and repeat the attempt to enter.
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The most reliable way to get into the BIOS on Xiaomi is to use the Windows Restore Menu, as it doesn’t depend on keyboard timings and download speeds.