How to open a BIOS on a Xiaomi laptop: all the ways for RedmiBook and Mi Notebook

Why you need a BIOS on Xiaomi laptops and when to open it

Most Xiaomi RedmiBook or Mi Notebook users never have to go to the BIOS, the basic I/O system. However, there are situations where you can’t do without it: installing Windows from a flash drive, changing boot priority, enabling virtualization for emulators or adjusting TDP settings to improve performance. Unlike desktop PCs where BIOS login is standardized, Xiaomi laptops have their own features, from non-obvious hotkeys to blocking access through Fast Boot.

The main problem that owners face is that the laptop simply does not respond to keystrokes when turned on, which is due to the fact that Xiaomi defaults to activate fast boot mode (Fast Boot), which skips the initialization stage of the keyboard. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the BIOS for models of 2019-2026, including workarounds for locked devices.

Method 1: Standard Hot Key Login

The most obvious method is to use hotkeys when you turn on your laptop. Xiaomi usually has F2 or Del, but there are nuances depending on the model and version of the BIOS. Importantly, the key should be held continuously from the moment you press the power button, and not press it after the logo appears.

Here is a complete list of keys for different lines:

• 🔹 RedmiBook 14/15/16 (2020–2023): F2 (Fn is sometimes required + F2)
• 🔹 Mi Notebook Pro X 15/14: Del (holding) 3–5 seconds)
• 🔹 Mi Notebook Air 12.5/13.3: F12 (for Boot Menu or F2 for BIOS
• 🔹 Redmi G (playing): Del + Esc (hold both keys)

If a laptop ignores the pressing, the reason is most often Fast Boot. To turn it off, you first need to log into Windows and execute a command in the CMD on behalf of the administrator:

bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy Legacy

Note: on some models (RedmiBook 14 II), this method does not work - an alternative method will be required.

Method 2: Log in via Boot Menu (if the BIOS is blocked)

If the Fast Boot doesn't turn off and the keys don't work, you can try logging into the BIOS via the download menu.

1. Turn off the laptop completely (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold F12 (or Esc for Redmi G).
3. Turn on your laptop without releasing the key until Boot Menu appears.
4. Select Enter Setup (or similar) from the menu.

On some models (Mi Notebook Pro 15 2022) instead of F12 works a combination of Fn + Tab. If the menu does not appear, check if the keyboard is disabled in the Windows settings (sometimes this happens after updates).

Disable Fast Boot on Windows|Take it all out. USB-device|Connect the charger|Hold the key from the first moment of switching on-->

Method 3: Reset BIOS settings via hardware button

Some Xiaomi laptops (e.g. RedmiBook 16 2023) have a hidden BIOS reset button, located on the bottom panel next to RAM or under the cover of the SSD compartment.

1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger.
2. Turn the device over and find a small hole labeled CMOS or RESET.
3. Insert a paper clip into the hole and hold for 10-15 seconds.
4. Connect the charging and turn on the laptop - the BIOS will reset to the factory settings.

Important: this method only works on models with a discrete reset button. Mi Notebook Air and early RedmiBooks do not have such a button - there the reset is done through the extraction of the CMOS battery (disassembly required).

⚠️ Attention: Reset BIOS It will return all settings to factory settings, including boot priority and security settings. If you have Secure Boot enabled, Windows may need to be re-activated after the reset.

Method 4: Sign in via Windows Command Prompt (for power users)

If the laptop boots into Windows but the keys don't work, you can force a reboot to the BIOS via the command line. Open the CMD on behalf of the administrator and do:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

This team restarts the system with the transition to UEFI-regimen BIOS The method works on all Xiaomi laptops with Windows. 10/11, but requires that:

• 🔹 Fast Startup (otherwise the command is ignored).
• 🔹 The account had administrator rights.
• 🔹 The laptop was not in hibernation mode.

If the laptop restarts in the normal way after you execute the command, then the Fast Startup is turned off. Turn it on in the Control Panel → Power supply → Power button actions → Change the parameters that are not available now.

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If the shutdown /r /fw command does not work, try first to turn off Quick Start in the power settings, then run the command again.

Table: Hot keys for different Xiaomi models

If your model is not listed in the table, try the universal combinations: F2, Del, F1 or Esc. On gaming laptops (Redmi G) sometimes F7 works.

Problem Solving: What to Do When the BIOS is Not Opened

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

1. Charging is connected: Some models (Mi Notebook Pro) block access to the BIOS when running from the battery.
2. USB-Devices disabled: Flash drives, mice, or keyboards may conflict with initialization.
3. BIOS Update: Old firmware (RedmiBook 14 2019) had bugs with key recognition.Update BIOS via Mi PC Manager.
4. Reset via Windows: In the Recovery settings (Start → Shutdown → Safe Mode Download), select Diagnostic → Additional settings → UEFI Built-in Software settings.

Critical case: if the laptop does not respond to the keyboard at all when turned on, the chip may be damaged EC (It's a hardware malfunction, it needs repair at the service center. Lock/Num Lock, laptop is powered only with charging.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi laptops with a biometric scanner (fingerprint) after resetting BIOS You may need to reconfigure the Secure Boot and reinstall the scanner drivers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about BIOS on Xiaomi laptops

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If a Xiaomi laptop is not included in the BIOS, 90% of the time it is Fast Boot to blame.Switch it off in Windows or use the command prompt to force login.