Xiaomi laptop: how to go to the BIOS and Boot Menu

Owners of Chinese-brand laptop computers often face the need to change boot priority or check system parameters, but do not know how to call the configuration menu on Mi Notebook or RedmiBook devices. Standard methods running on desktop PCs may not work here due to the peculiarities of implementing UEFI and fast booting Fast Boot. Understanding the right key combinations and sequence of actions is critical for successful reinstallation of the operating system or diagnosis of hardware failures.

Complicating matters, the manufacturer has been trying to minimize the start time of the system in recent models, making the window to intercept a keyboard request extremely short. If you missed the right moment, the system will simply continue to boot Windows, ignoring your login attempts. In this guide, we will detail all the current ways to access low-level settings, including methods through the operating system if the keyboard does not have time to respond.

Incorrect actions in this section can lead to the inability to boot the OS or unstable hardware, so it is important to follow the instructions clearly. We will consider not only the standard keyboard shortcuts, but also the nuances of working with Secure Boot, switching the drive modes and resetting forgotten administrator passwords.

The main key combinations for entering the settings

The most traditional and quick way to get into the basic I/O settings menu is to use the hotkeys immediately after power is turned on. For the vast majority of Xiaomi and Redmi laptops, the primary key is F2. You need to pinch this button before you turn on the device or immediately after you press the power button, holding it until the logo or the settings interface itself appears.

If your goal is not to change settings, but to select a boot device (such as a USB flash drive with an OS installer), then use the F12 key. This feature calls Boot Menu, where you can select a launch source once without changing the global priority settings in the BIOS. On some models, especially early versions of the Mi Notebook Air, the combination may differ, so it is worth trying to also press the Esc or Del key, although this is less common.

⚠️ Note: On models with a touch keyboard or specific layout, make sure that you press the function key, not its multimedia counterpart. Sometimes you need to simultaneously press the Fn key. + F2, if the system activated the mode of multimedia keys by default.

It is important to consider the speed of your fingers and the speed of the drive. If a laptop has a fast NVMe SSD, the window of opportunity can be less than two seconds. In such cases, it is recommended not just to press, but rhythmically and often press the desired key (stamp) immediately after the power is applied, to guarantee to intercept the interrupt request from the controller.

Entering through the Windows 10 and 11 interface

Modern Microsoft operating systems use fast-boot technology that effectively puts the laptop into deep sleep mode instead of shutting it down completely. Because of this, classic keyboard techniques often don't work because the computer will pass the keyboard survey stage, and the solution is to log in through the Windows programming interface itself, which ensures that you get to the desired menu regardless of the download speed.

To do this, open the Start menu and go to system settings. You need to find Update and Security (in Windows 10) or System → Recovery (in Windows 11). In the recovery options list, find Special Boot Options and click Reboot Now. The system will restart and offer a selection menu.

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If the recovery menu doesn't appear, try pressing the Shift key on the keyboard when you press the "Reset" button in the Start menu, which will force the diagnostic mode to start.

Once you reboot, you'll see a blue screen with multiple options. Choose the path: Troubleshooting and troubleshooting → Additional parameters → Parameters of embedded software UEFI. By clicking the “Reboot” button in this menu, the Xiaomi laptop will automatically start immediately into the interface. BIOS/UEFI, bypassing the need to capture the moment of inclusion.

• ✅ Open Windows Settings through the Start Menu.
• ✅ Go to the Update and Security section.
• ✅ Select the Recovery tab.
• ✅ Click on “Reboot Now” in the Special Download Options section.

Using Boot Menu to select a bootloader

Often users do not need to change the voltage or memory frequency settings, but only need to start the installation of the system with a new memory. USB-For this, there is a separate boot menu (Boot Menu), which on Xiaomi laptops is called by a key. F12. This menu is temporary and does not save changes after rebooting, which is convenient for one-time operations.

Unlike the full one. BIOS, Boot Menu interface is as simple as possible. It displays a list of all available boot devices: built-in hard drive, connected USB-flash drives, network download PXE And sometimes optical actuators (if there is an external one), navigation is done by the keyboard arrows, and the choice is confirmed by the Enter key.

If your flash drive is missing from the list, even though it's connected, check which port it's inserted into.Some USB Type-C ports may not support UEFI booting without special drivers or settings. Try reconnecting the drive to a USB-A port or using another Type-C connector marked with a zipper or stormtriver symbol, indicating support for data protocol.

Configure UEFI and Secure Boot settings

The UEFI interface on Xiaomi laptops is usually graphical and supports mouse control, making navigation more intuitive. However, to install a third-party operating system (such as Linux distributions or old Windows), it is often necessary to disable Secure Boot's secure boot feature.

To change your settings, go to the Security or Boot tab. Find the Secure Boot option and switch it to Disabled. In some cases, the system will require you to set the administrator password before allowing you to change this setting. After setting the password and disabling the protection, remember to remove the password if you do not plan to use it so that it will not be forgotten.

You can also set up the SATA mode of the controller in this section, which is often in RST or Raid On mode by default to speed up Intel Optane. If you put the system clean, switching to AHCI mode can solve disk visibility problems or improve stability with third-party drivers.

Table of keyboard combinations for different models

The range of the manufacturer is extensive, and although the logic of the work is the same, there are exceptions depending on the year of release and series (Air, Pro, Gaming, RedmiBook).

Note that on gaming models (Gaming Laptop), the BIOS interface can be extended with additional tabs to control temperature and acceleration. Be careful when changing the values of the voltage or power consumption limits, as this can lead to overheating. In standard office models, Mi Notebooks, such features are often hidden or limited.

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The universal combination for 95% of Xiaomi laptops is F2 for BIOS and F12 for selecting a boot device.

Password reset and access restoration

If the previous owner or you have set a password to log in to the BIOS and forgot it, the situation becomes more complicated. Unlike the password of the Windows account, resetting the BIOS password by simply flashing or removing the battery is often impossible, since the data is stored in non-volatile memory or a protected area of the chip.

There is a method of resetting through the circuit of the motherboard, but it requires disassembling the laptop and having the skills to work with electronics. On some models, Xiaomi helps to remove the CMOS battery (if it is removable) and the main battery for a long time (more than 30 minutes) followed by connecting only the charger. However, on modern ultrabooks, the BIOS battery is often sealed or absent as a separate element.

⚠️ Warning: Attempts to open the case and mechanically reset can result in loss of warranty and damage to the plumes.If the laptop is warranty, contact an authorized service center to reset your password by serial number.

Alternatively, if you have access to the system, you can try using special unlock codes generated based on the hash error, but for Xiaomi laptops such generators are rare and do not guarantee the result.

Solving problems during booting

One of the common problems is that a Xiaomi laptop doesn't see the boot drive in the F12 menu. Most often this is due to the format of the storage file system. For UEFI mode, the flash drive must be formatted in FAT32. If you recorded an image in NTFS format or used a legacy recording method, a modern laptop can ignore the device.

It is also worth checking if the USB port is enabled in the BIOS. In rare cases, some ports may be software-disabled in the Peripherals or I/O Ports section. Make sure you have an Enabled mark opposite the respective controllers. If the problem persists, try updating the BIOS to the latest version from the official website, as manufacturers often fix hardware compatibility errors.

If the laptop is stuck on the Mi logo and it doesn't let you into the system or the BIOS, try resetting the static voltage. Turn off the charger, press the power button for 20-30 seconds, then plug the charger in and try to turn on again. This method often helps to "revive" the power controller and return the ability to log in to settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)