Introduction: why you need a BIOS on Xiaomi laptops
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a low-level software that manages the hardware components of your Xiaomi laptop before the operating system is booted. Without access to this menu, you can't change boot priority, enable virtualization for Windows 11, update UEFI firmware or reset your admin password, especially for owners of RedmiBook and Mi Notebook lines, where the manufacturer often blocks standard login methods.
Unlike desktop PCs, where the entrance to BIOS usually carried out by pressing Del or F2, Xiaomi laptops require a specific approach. UEFI, Windows boots quickly and lacks classic POST-In this article we will discuss all working methods for RedmiBook models. 14/15/16, Mi Notebook Pro/Air Others, including solutions for cases where keys do not work.
It is important to understand that incorrect BIOS settings can lead to the inability to boot the system or activate BitLocker on Windows (if disk encryption is enabled).
Standard keys for entering the BIOS on Xiaomi
Most Xiaomi laptops use a key combination to log in to the BIOS, which you need to press immediately after the device is turned on. However, due to the fast loading of Windows (especially on SSD), the user has only 1-2 seconds to react.
- 🔹 RedmiBook 14/15/16 (2020–2026): F2 or Del (hold on when switched on)
- 🔹 Mi Notebook Pro (All Generations): F2 + Fn (if key) F2 blocked)
- 🔹 Mi Notebook Air (12.5" and 13.3"): Del (sometimes required to press 2-3 times in a row)
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Gaming Laptop: F7 (for Boot Menu or F2 (for BIOS)
If the standard keys do not work, the problem may lie in:
- 🔋 Quick boot Windows (disables in power settings).
- 🖥️ Use of USB-Keyboards (on some models) BIOS does not recognize external input devices before loading the OS).
- 🔄 Fast Boot mode enabled in settings UEFI.
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On Xiaomi laptops with Windows 11, BIOS entry is often blocked by Secure Boot. To get around this, hold the Shift before rebooting and select Reboot from the off menu - this will open up advanced boot options.
How to log into BIOS via Windows (without keys)
If the F2/Del keys don't work, you can use the built-in Windows tools. This method is universal and suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the RedmiBook Pro and Mi Notebook Enhanced Edition.
- Open Windows Settings → Update and Security → Recovery.
- In the Special Download Options section, click Reboot Now.
- After the reboot, select: Diagnostics → Additional settings → UEFI embedded software settings.
- Confirm the reboot – the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.
This method is guaranteed to work if:
- 🔄 Windows is installed on the laptop 10/11 (Linux will require systemctl reboot --firmware-setup).
- 🔒 V BIOS not disabled access UEFI via OS (rarely, but found on some firmware).
- 💾 Hard drive is not encrypted by BitLocker (otherwise you will need to enter the recovery key).
Turn off Fast Startup in power settings|
Create a system recovery point |
Connect your laptop to charge (on some models, the BIOS is locked at low charge)|
Remember the BitLocker password (if the drive is encrypted)-->
Features of the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops: what can be configured
The BIOS interface on Xiaomi devices is based on UEFI from AMI or InsydeH2O, but with customized manufacturer options.
| Section BIOS | Available options | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Main | BIOS version, processor model, RAM volume, disk information | Verification of hardware configuration |
| Advanced | Settings CPU, SATA Mode (AHCI/RAID), Virtualization (VT-x) | Enabling virtualization for emulators (BlueStacks, VMware) |
| Boot | Priority Boot, Secure Boot, Fast Boot | Install Windows from a flash drive or disable protection for Linux |
| Security | Password for BIOS, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot | Protection against unauthorized access |
| Exit | Saving settings, resetting to factory, updating the BIOS | Application of changes or recoils in case of errors |
On the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro X and RedmiBook Pro 15 notebooks, the Advanced section may not have the option of enabling VT-d (PCI-device virtualization), which limits the ability to work with virtual machines. SATA Mode – This prevents Linux from being installed on a separate drive.
What happens if you reset the BIOS to factory settings?
Problem Solving: The BIOS is not open
If neither method worked, the problem could be hardware or software constraints, and let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.
⚠️ Note: On laptops Xiaomi RedmiBook 14 II Mi Notebook 14 with 10th-generation Intel processors BIOS It can be blocked due to a bug in the firmware UEFI. The solution is to update BIOS via Windows using the Mi Flash utility (download on the official website).
- 🔌 Laptop doesn't respond to keys: Check if the Fn key is stuck (on some models it blocks function buttons). PS/2-keyboard (through USB-port - it recognizes BIOS pre-wireless.
- 🖥️ The screen stays black: You may have lost your video output settings. HDMI Type-C - sometimes an image BIOS It's only out there.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot: This is a sign of a damaged firmware BIOS. Refrigeration is required through CH341A (Only for experienced users!) or contact the service center.
On AMD Ryzen models (like RedmiBook 16 Ryzen Edition), the BIOS can be logged in with a long pause (up to 30 seconds) on the black screen. This is normal – wait for the Xiaomi logo to appear and then press F2.
BIOS update on Xiaomi laptops: when it is needed
The manufacturer regularly releases BIOS updates for its laptops, fixing:
- 🐛 Power management bugs (e.g., incorrect display of battery level on RedmiBook 15 2023).
- 🔒 Security vulnerabilities (especially critical for corporate users).
- 🖥️ Compatibility problems with new processors or RAM.
You can update the BIOS in two ways:
- Through Windows: Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website, unpack the archive and launch the.exe file on behalf of the administrator.
- Through BIOS: Copy the firmware file (usually with the.fd extension) onto a FAT32 flash drive, then select Advanced → Start EFI Shell from the BIOS menu and specify the path to the file.
⚠️ Attention: Interrupting the update process BIOS Make sure the battery is charged at least as much as possible. 50%, And the laptop is connected to the network. AMD Ryzen 4000/5000 Update may take up to 10 minutes - do not turn off the device!
Resetting BIOS to factory settings
If the laptop stopped booting after changes to the BIOS or there were errors (for example, 0xc000000f in Windows), resetting will help.
- 🔧 Through the menu BIOS: Go to the Exit section. → Load Default Settings → Save & Exit.
- 🔩 Hardware reset: Turn off the laptop, remove the back cover and remove the battery for 10 seconds CMOS (It is located next to RAM and is suitable for Mi Notebook Pro 15.6" and other models with a collapsible housing.
- 💻 Through Windows: In the command line (on behalf of the administrator) do: shutdown /r /fw /t 0 That's rebooting the device in UEFI factory-set.
On Xiaomi laptops with dual BIOS firmware (such as RedmiBook Pro 14), the hardware reset may not work – in this case, you need to flash through the programmer.
- 🔐 Password resets. BIOS (if established).
- 🔄 Secure Boot will turn on, which can block the loading of alternative OSes.
- ⚡ Back to factory boot priority (usually Windows Boot Manager comes first).
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Resetting the BIOS is a last resort. Before you do, try booting into Safe Windows Mode (hold F8 when booting) or restoring the system through the installation stick.