How to go to the BIOS on a Xiaomi laptop: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi and RedmiBook laptops are known for their stylish design and high performance, but access to deep system settings is not as obvious as on classic PCs. Often users need to change the boot priority to install a new operating system, activate virtualization for emulators or check the temperature of the processor, all of which require logging into the BIOS or UEFI.

The problem is that because of the fast booting of Windows 10 and Windows 11, the standard keystroke method may not work if you don’t know the exact timing. In addition, some models of the manufacturer by default hide the traditional menu, redirecting the user to the graphical interface firmware. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways of logging in, including workarounds through the operating system.

You don't have to be a professional engineer to do this, but you have to follow the instructions carefully and know which button to press at any given time, and we'll look at the nuances of different models, from the Mi Notebook Air to the new RedmiBook Pro, and we'll look at the common bugs that keep you from getting into the settings menu.

Basic Hot Keys for UEFI Entry

The fastest and most traditional way to access system settings is to use a special key combination immediately after power is turned on. For the vast majority of Xiaomi and Redmi devices, one specific button is reserved that must be pressed repeatedly. Unlike desktop computers, where Delete is often used, laptops use the F2 key.

The login process requires some skill, because the command window opens for only a few seconds. If the operating system has already started to boot and the Windows logo appears, then the moment is missed, in which case you need to wait for the full load, restart the laptop and try again, starting to press the button literally in a fraction of a second after the power indicator lights up.

⚠️ Note: On some models, keys F1-F12 They do the default multimedia functions (volume, brightness adjustments). F2 does not work, try to pinch the function key Fn and, holding it, press it often F2.

There is also an alternative F12 key that is responsible for calling Boot Menu on Xiaomi laptops. Although this is not a direct login to the BIOS, you can sometimes go to Setup settings if the manufacturer provides this option. However, for deep hardware setups, such as controlling cooler modes or overclocking memory, you still need a full login via F2.

Entering through Windows 10 and 11 settings

If you can't get the right moment when you boot, or if the keyboard doesn't respond to commands before the OS starts, there's a robust software method that works on 100 percent of Windows 10 or Windows 11 computers and doesn't require a quick reaction, and it's especially relevant for SSD models that boot the system in seconds.

To start, you need to open the system settings. Click Win + I or search for Settings in the Start menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the OS version, but the logic remains the same: we need to get to the Recovery section. Follow the path: Update and Security → Recovery (for Windows 10) or System → Recovery (for Windows 11).

Find the option "Special download options" and click the button "Reboot now." The system will warn you to save data, then start rebooting to a special menu. Here you need to select the sequence of actions: Find and troubleshoot → Additional settings → UEFI built-in software. After clicking the button "Reboot" laptop will open the BIOS interface.

This method guarantees you to log in to the partition of firmware that matches your current configuration. Sometimes manually login via F2 can lead to the basic menu, while a program call through UEFI opens up extended tabs available for the current operating system. This is especially useful if you plan to change the Secure Boot security settings.

Fast Boot Problems (Fast Boot)

One of the main reasons why users can’t get into the BIOS is the Fast Boot feature, which is designed to reduce the time a computer is turned on by skipping checks on some hardware components and almost instantly handing over control of the operating system, so the user simply doesn’t have time to press the desired key.

To get around this limitation, you can temporarily turn off the quick start in Windows itself. To do this, open Control Panel, go to Power Power and select Power Button Action. By clicking on Changes to Settings That Are Not Now Available, you can uncheck the box from Enable Quick Start. After that, the normal reboot will be slower, giving you a 3-5 second head start to log in through F2.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Fast Boot may slightly increase the load time of the operating system. BIOS It is recommended to return this function to an active state for comfortable daily work.

Also worth checking is the settings in the Xiaomi PC Manager app (if installed).Some versions of drivers and control utilities may contain their own limitations or performance profiles that affect the behavior of the keyboard at start-up. Make sure you have the latest versions of chipset drivers installed from the official support site.

Navigation and main sections of Xiaomi BIOS

The BIOS interface on Xiaomi and Redmi laptops is usually in the classic American Megatrends or InsydeH2O style. It doesn't have mouse support, so all navigation is done using the keyboard.This may seem uncomfortable for beginners, but provides maximum compatibility and low-speed operation.

To move between tabs, use the arrows left and right ← →, and to select parameters inside the tab - arrows up and down ↑ ↓. Change values usually occur with the keys +/- or F5/F6. It is important not to change the values of parameters, the purpose of which you do not know, as this can lead to unstable operation of the equipment.

Below is a table of the main sections you will find on the menu:

Special attention should be paid to the Advanced section. This is where you often hide the settings associated with the operation of the touchpad, the built-in webcam or the mode of operation of the processor. Changing some of the parameters in this section without understanding the consequences may cause the laptop to stop seeing the hard drive or the hard drive. USB-device.

Set up load priority and install OS

Most users are looking for a BIOS login to install Windows or Linux from a flash drive. This requires the correct setting of the Boot partition. Modern Xiaomi laptops have UEFI mode activated by default with Secure Boot protection enabled, which means that the system will only boot from the digitally signed media keys.

If you are installing standard Windows 10/11, You don’t usually need to change your modes – just choose yours. USB-However, some Linux distributions or older versions of Windows may require you to disable Secure Boot. This option is located in the Security or Boot section.

The boot order can be changed in two ways: One is to move the desired device to the first position in the list of "Boot Option Priorities" using the F5/F6 or +/- key. The second is to use the quick selection menu called by the F12 key at start. The second option is preferable for a one-time installation of the system, since it does not change the constant settings of the BIOS.

Resetting and exiting the BIOS

After making all the necessary changes, you must save them. If you just close your laptop or press the power button, the settings may not apply. To save and exit, use the F10 key. The system will ask for confirmation: select Yes and press Enter. The laptop will reboot with new parameters.

If you've made a mistake in the setup process and the system is not stable, don't panic. BIOS has a factory reset function, usually called Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults, and is located in the Exit or Main section. Alternatively, you can use the F9 hotkey, which is often reserved for reset.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will return configuration to out-of-the-box state, which means you will have to reset the time, download priority, and possibly re-enable virtualization if it was required to run the programs.

Any changes take effect immediately after the restart. If the laptop does not turn on or emits audible signals after the release, try to perform a full static charge reset: turn off the charger, press the on button for 15-20 seconds, then try to turn on again.

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The F10 key saves the changes, and the Esc comes out without saving. Always check what you chose before confirming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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If you plan to reinstall systems frequently, create a bootable flash drive with multiple distributions (Ventoy) so you don’t set up boot priority each time.