How to Sweat Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5: The Complete Guide

The Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5, also known as the Mi Notebook Pro 15.6, is a popular device, but over time the operating system can start to work unstable. Users often face slowdowns, registry errors or viruses, which require a complete reinstallation of the software. The process of restoring factory settings or a clean installation of Windows on Xiaomi devices has its own features that differ from standard PCs.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly prepare your laptop for flashing, where to download original images and how to avoid critical errors. It is important to understand that a clean installation requires a backup of all important data, since in the process of formatting the hard drive information will be irretrievably deleted. We will look at methods for recovery through built-in tools and creating a boot drive.

Before you start active actions, you need to make sure that the hardware is healthy and there is a stable power source. To properly operate the touchpad and touchbar after installing the system, you will necessarily need a driver package stored on the external media in advance. Ignoring this stage can lead to the fact that the laptop will turn on, but it will be impossible to control the cursor.

⚠️ Note: Before any manipulations are initiated BIOS or install the OS make sure that the battery is at least 60% and the laptop is connected to the network through the original power supply.

Preparation for the installation of the operating system

The first step is to collect the necessary tools and software. USB-A minimum of 8GB drive that will be formatted during the recording process. You also need to download the Windows 10 or 11 distribution, as these versions are the most stable on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5 hardware.

Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi does not always provide a full driver package automatically through Windows Update immediately after installation. Critical drivers for touchpad, touchbar, power management and codec are better downloaded from the official support site in advance.

• 📀 USB-flash drive from 8 GB to create a bootable media.
• 💾 External hard drive for backup of personal files and documents.
• 🔌 Original charger to provide stable voltage during the process.
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection for downloading images and drivers.

Once you download the required files, create a restore point or a full system backup if the current OS is still functional, which will allow you to roll back changes in case the new version of Windows is not compatible with your specific tasks or software.

Creating a bootable flash drive

To record the image of the operating system on USB-The drive is most convenient to use the official Media Creation Tool utility from Microsoft or a third-party program Rufus. The first option is preferable for beginners, since it automatically downloads the current version of Windows and writes it in the correct format.

If you use Rufus, you need to choose the right partition scheme. For the Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5, which is equipped with the UEFI BIOS, you should choose the GPT partition scheme and the UEFI target system (non-CSM). Choosing an outdated MBR scheme will result in the laptop simply not seeing the bootable media at start.

Rufus options for Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5:


Device: [Your flash drive]




Loading method: ISO image of Windows




Section diagram: GPT




Target system: UEFI (non-CSM)




File system: NTFS

The recording process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the speed. USB-Do not remove the flash drive until the message of successful completion. Once the procedure is complete, the install.wim or install.esd file will be ready to use.

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Use USB 3.0 (blue) port to record and install the system – this will significantly speed up the file copying process compared to USB 2.0.

BIOS setup and installation start

Once you have created the boot drive, you need to log into the BIOS/UEFI settings. On Xiaomi laptops, this is done by pressing the F2 key immediately after the device is turned on. If the standard path doesn't work, try pinching the F12 to call the boot device selection menu.

In the interface. BIOS You need to find the Boot section and change the priority of the download by putting your USB-It is also recommended to disable the Secure Boot option for installation time if you encounter driver signature errors, although this is not usually required for official Windows images.

After saving settings (F10), the laptop will restart and should start the Windows Installer. If this does not happen, check the USB-C connection port - sometimes USB-C ports require an adapter or do not support booting in certain modes.

Windows installation process

When the installer window appears, select the language and keyboard layout. When you select the installation type, make sure to select Selective: Windows Installation Only, which will completely clear the disk of old files and errors of the previous system.

In the partition list, you will see several batches. For a clean installation, you need to delete all partitions related to the system disk (usually Disk 0) until one line Unoccupied space remains on disk 0. Be careful not to delete data on the second disk if there are two in your configuration.

Once you have selected the space, press "Next" and the system will create the necessary partitions for the bootloader and recovery. The copying process will take some time, during which the laptop can restart several times.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the installation stick until the desktop appears. If you remove the media too early, the installation will stop at the settings stage, and the process will have to start again.

At the initial setup stage (OOBE), the system may require an internet connection. For the Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5, it is advisable to connect to Wi-Fi immediately so that Windows can find the underlying network card drivers if they are not sewn into the image.

Installation of drivers and utilities Xiaomi

Once you first log in to your desktop, you may find that the screen resolution is low, the sound is not working or the touchpad is not working. This is normal for a clean Windows. First, install the drivers you downloaded in advance. Start with the chipset and power management.

Pay special attention to the utility Xiaomi Service or similar software for managing a laptop. It is this software that is responsible for the operation of the functional keys (Fn), switching fan modes and indicating battery charge in the tray.

• 🖥️ Video card driver (Intel) HD Graphics / NVIDIA GeForce – for correct image output.
• 🔊 Audio Driver (Realtek High Definition Audio) – for speakers and microphone.
• 🖱️ Driver touchpad (I2C HID) — multi-touch gestures and touchbar work.
• 🔋 Power Management Driver – for proper sleep mode operation.

If the official drivers for your version of Windows are not available on the site, you can try installing drivers for an earlier version of Windows in compatibility mode. Often, drivers from Windows 10 work perfectly on Windows 11 and vice versa.

Solution and activation

Windows license on Xiaomi Mi Notebook 5 is usually embedded in the motherboard BIOS. This means that when installed clean, you do not need to enter the key - activation will occur automatically when you connect to the Internet. If activation does not occur, check the date and time in the system.

A common problem is no sound or a broken microphone. In Device Manager, check if there are any devices with a yellow exclamation point. Sometimes you need to manually update the driver by indicating the path to the downloaded file through the Update Driver → Search on this computer.

The activation status check team:


slmgr /xpr





The team to reset the license status (if there is an error):




slmgr /upk




slmgr /cpv

If the touchbar (the additional touchbar above the keyboard) does not respond, make sure that the power settings do not have a maximum energy saving mode that can turn off peripherals.

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Automatic activation only occurs when the original motherboard is present and connected to Microsoft servers, manual key insertion from the sticker (if any) is rarely required.