Downloading Xiaomi laptop from a flash drive: a complete guide for all models

Loading a Xiaomi laptop from a flash drive is a challenge that users face when reinstalling Windows, restoring the system or testing Linux Live distributions. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances, from the features of the BIOS/UEFI to the specifics of the RedmiBook and Mi Notebook models. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from preparing the boot media to changing the boot priority, and also solve typical problems such as the lack of a flash drive in Boot Menu or Secure Boot errors.

Special attention will be paid to modern Xiaomi laptops based on Intel 12-13 generation processors and AMD Ryzen 5000/6000, where booting from USB can be blocked by factory security settings. If you have not previously worked with UEFI or encountered a message No bootable device, this instruction will help to avoid errors and save time.

Preparation of bootable flash drive for Xiaomi laptop

Before you boot from the flash drive, it needs to be written correctly. For Xiaomi laptops, it is critical to use a UEFI-compatible boot media, otherwise the system may not see the USB or will give an error at start. Let's consider two proven ways.

If you are installing Windows 10/11, Download the official image from Microsoft's website via Media Creation Tool. Linux will be suitable for distributions with support EFI-Download (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint) Write the flash drive with Rufus (mode) GPT for UEFI) or Ventoy (for multi-boot).

• 📌 Rufus: Select a partition scheme GPT and target system UEFI (This is a must for new Xiaomi laptops with Secure Boot.
• 🔧 Ventoy: Suitable for creating a multi-boot flash drive. Once installed, just copy it. ISO-root-image USB.
• ⚠️ Don’t use outdated utilities like UNetbootin – they don’t support it. UEFI and can cause errors.

⚠️ Note: The flash drive should be formatted in FAT32 (not NTFS or exFAT, otherwise the Xiaomi laptop will not be able to boot from it in mode UEFI. For images over 4GB, use Rufus with option NTFS for UEFI (experimental).

How to log into BIOS/UEFI on Xiaomi laptop

To boot from the flash drive, you first need to go to the BIOS/UEFI settings. Xiaomi laptops log in is non-standard - the F2, Del or Esc keys may not work. Instead, use the combination:

1. Turn off your laptop completely (not restart!).


2. Press the F2 key and hold it.




3. Press the power button without releasing F2.




4. Wait for the Xiaomi logo to appear, then let go.

Some models (such as the 2022 RedmiBook Pro 15) may require an F12 to directly call Boot Menu.If the laptop doesn't respond, try:

• 🔄 Disable Quick Startup in Windows: Control Panel → Power supply → Action of power buttons → Change the inaccessible parameters → Remove the tick from "Enable fast start".
• 🔌 Connect the charger – some models block the entrance to the BIOS low-charge.
• 🖱️ Use an external keyboard (relevant for Mi Notebook Air with problem built-in buttons).

Setting up the BIOS to boot from a flash drive

After entering the BIOS/UEFI laptop Xiaomi needs to:

1. Disable Secure Boot (if you are installing Linux or unofficial Windows). Go to Security → Secure Boot → Disabled.
2. Enable Legacy/CSM mode (only if the flash drive is written in MBR, not GPT). path: Boot → Launch CSM → Enabled.
3. Change the priority of the download. In the Boot section, move your flash drive to the first place (use the F5/F6 or drag-and-drop keys).

On Xiaomi laptops from 2023 to 2026 (for example, RedmiBook Pro 16), the Launch CSM option may not be available – this is normal, since they only work in UEFI mode. In this case, make sure that the flash drive is recorded in GPT with the FAT32 file system.

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMD Ryzen 7000 (e.g. Xiaomi Book S 12.4) may be alerted to the loss of warranty after disabling Secure Boot.

Secure Boot is down.|The flash drive is at the top of the download list|Regime. SATA: AHCI (not RAID)|Fast Boot is off.-->

Download from the flash drive via Boot Menu

An alternative way is to use Boot Menu to boot from the flash drive once without changing the BIOS settings.

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press the F12 key (on some models, Esc).
3. Turn on the power without releasing the button.
4. In the menu that appears, select your flash drive (it can be displayed as UEFI: [Flash Drive Name]).

If the flash drive is not on the list:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 is sometimes not supported in Boot Menu).
• 🔄 Rewrite the flash drive in Rufus with the parameter DD-mod (for Linux).
• 🛠️ Check if the option is on. USB Boot in BIOS (section).

💡

If a Xiaomi laptop ignores the F12 key, try the Fn + F12 combination. On some models, the function keys are locked without pressing Fn.

Solving problems when loading from a flash drive

Even after you set up your BIOS correctly, you can end up with errors, so let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.

No bootable device - insert boot disk and press any key

Causes and means of elimination:

• 💾 Flash is recorded incorrectly: re-write the image in Rufus with parameters GPT for UEFI.
• 🔌 USB-Port Faulty: Try another port or external port USB-hub.
• 🔧 V BIOS controller down USB: Check the settings in the Advanced section → USB Configuration.

2. Secure Boot Violation Error

This error occurs if:

• 🔐 Secure Boot is enabled and the boot image is not signed (for example, many Linux distributions).
• 📛 The flash drive is recorded in Legacy-mode, but the laptop works only in UEFI.

Solution: disable Secure Boot in the BIOS or re-write the USB drive with Secure Boot support (for example, via Rufus with the Add fixes for old BIOSes option).

3.The laptop doesn't see the flash drive in Boot Menu

Possible causes:

• 🖥️ The flash drive is formatted in NTFS — reformat in FAT32.
• 🔌 USB 3.0 is not supported in Boot Menu – use the port USB 2.0 (usually black).
• 🛠️ V BIOS External Device Boot is disabled – turn it on in the Boot section.

💡

If Xiaomi’s laptop is released after 2022, it most likely doesn’t support Legacy booting. Use only UEFI-compatible flash drives (GPT + FAT32).

Features of loading on popular Xiaomi models

Different Xiaomi laptop series have unique nuances when booting from a flash drive. Below is a brief guide to the most common models.

For models with processors AMD Ryzen 5000/6000 (For example, RedmiBook Pro 14 Ryzen Edition – Be sure to update BIOS to the latest version through the official Xiaomi website. BIOS may not support downloading from NVMe drives or new USB-controller.

What to do after a successful boot from the flash drive

When Xiaomi laptop booted from a flash drive, the next steps depend on your goal:

• 🖥️ Install Windows: Select the language and keyboard layout. On the partition screen, delete all existing partitions (if you want a clean installation) and create new ones. Make sure the system is installed in the partition screen. UEFI-mode EFI will be automatically created).
• 🐧 Download Linux Live Distribution: Select Try Ubuntu/Fedora If Wi-Fi is not working, connect via cable or use it. USB-adapter.

Rebuilding the system

1. In the recovery menu, select Troubleshooting → Restoration when downloaded.
2. If reset is required, use Return the computer to its original state.

After the installation or restoration is completed, do not forget:

1. Return Secure Boot settings to Enabled (if you installed Windows) to the BIOS.
2. Update drivers via Mi Driver Installer (download at Xiaomi-mi.com).
3. Remove the boot drive to avoid accidentally downloading it in the future.

💡

If after installing Windows, Xiaomi laptop does not see Wi-Fi or sound, download drivers from the official website by selecting the exact model. Universal driver packs (for example, DriverPack Solution) can install incompatible versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about downloading from a flash drive to Xiaomi