How to open the BIOS on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Mi Notebooks have gained popularity due to a combination of performance, stylish design and affordable price. However, when setting up a system, updating firmware or diagnosing equipment, users often need access to the BIOS (or its modern counterpart, UEFI). Unlike traditional PCs where you log in by pressing F2 or Del, Xiaomi devices have features related to the fast boot of Windows and the specifics of the hardware platform.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to log into the BIOS for all Xiaomi Mi Notebook models (including Air, Pro, Lite, 14/15/16 inches), as well as solving typical problems - from "non-responsive" hotkeys to resetting UEFI settings. We will analyze both standard methods through the keyboard, and alternative options for cases when the laptop refuses to load or the keys do not work.

Why don’t the standard keys work on Xiaomi Mi Notebook?

Many users are faced with a situation where the usual F2, Del or Esc do not open the BIOS, the reason lies in three key features of Xiaomi devices:

• ⚡ Fast Boot: The default feature on Windows 10/11 and UEFI It speeds up the system by skipping the initialization step of the keyboard.
• 🔧 Lack of Legacy-Booting: Modern Xiaomi laptops are used exclusively UEFI, What changes the logic of key processing at the start.
• 🖥️ Keyboard specifics: Some models (e.g. Mi Notebook Air 12.5) feature keys F1-F12 They work only in combination with Fn.

Also, if the laptop has previously been “optimized” through programs like the Xiaomi Tool or manual registry editing, the boot settings may have been changed, requiring a UEFI reset or a Windows emergency menu login.

Method 1: Hot keys for entering the BIOS (for a working system)

If your laptop is powered on and loading Windows, the most reliable way is to use a keyboard keyboard when you start. Importantly, the method only works when you turn off fast boot (how to turn it off - see the next section).

1. Turn off your laptop completely (not restart!) and press the power button for 5-7 seconds.
2. Press and hold the F2 key (for most models) or Del key (for Mi Gaming Laptop).
3. Without releasing the key, press the power button and hold both 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
4. Release F2/Del – the UEFI menu should open.

If the screen is black or Windows is loading, try alternative combinations:

• 🔄 F2 + Fn (for Mi Notebook Air 12.5 and some Pro versions)
• 🔄 Esc (opens boot-menu where you can select Enter Setup)
• 🔄 F12 (model InsydeH2O UEFI, Mi Notebook 14 2020)

Disable fast booting in Windows

Turn off your laptop (not sleep/hybernation)

Use a wired keyboard (for problems with the built-in)

Try alternative keys (F2, Del, Esc, F12)

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⚠️ Note: On laptops with biometric scanner (fingerprint) entrance to the BIOS may be blocked before entering PIN-In this case, log in first, then reboot via Shift. + Reboot (see Method 3).

Method 2: Disabling fast boot in Windows

Fast Boot (or Quick Start in Windows) prevents you from recording keystrokes when you turn on, to turn it off:

1. Open the control panel. → Power supply.
2. In the left menu, select Power button actions.
3. Click Change settings that are not currently available (administrator rights will be required).
4. Uncheck the box from Enable Quick Start and save the changes.

After that, restart your laptop and try to log in to the BIOS in the standard way (see Method 1). If the problem persists, check the UEFI settings via the command line:

powercfg /h off

This command disables hibernation, which can also affect the boot process.

💡

If after disabling Fast Boot laptop began to boot longer, return the setting back after the completion of work in the BIOS.

Method 3: Sign in via the Windows 10/11 reboot menu

An alternative method that works even when the fast boot is turned on:

1. Open the Start menu → Nutrition.
2. Press the Shift key and select Reboot.
3. After the reboot, the blue Action Choice menu will appear. Go to Troubleshooting → Additional Options → UEFI Built-in Software Settings.
4. Click Reboot – the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.

This method is universal and works on all models of Xiaomi Mi Notebook, including Mi Notebook Pro X 15 and Mi Notebook Ultra. The main advantage is that it does not require disabling Fast Boot and is guaranteed to work with Windows.

⚠️ Note: If the menu Additional settings are missing item Parameters embedded software UEFI, that means that: 🔌 Laptop connected to the network via a docking station or USB-hub (disable all peripheral devices). 🔐 V UEFI password set (requires a reset through the jumper on the motherboard). 🛠️ Firmware damaged. UEFI (I need to reflash through CH341A). Method 4: Emergency login when Windows cannot boot If the laptop does not boot (cyclical restart, BSOD, black screen), use emergency boot menu: Turn off the laptop, holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. Press and hold F2 (Or Del, then turn on the power. If the Boot Menu menu appears, select Enter Setup (usually Enter). If you fail repeatedly, the laptop can automatically open Advanced Startup (blue recovery menu), where you can choose to log in to the device. UEFI. For models with InsydeH2O UEFI (For example, Mi Notebook. 14 2020) Try the combination: Turn on the power → press and hold F12 10–15 What do you do if your laptop doesn't respond to the keys? If none of the keys work, the problem may be: 1. Failed keyboard - connect USB-keyboard and try again. 2. Resetting settings UEFI — zeroing CMOS (battery-extracting 30 second-round CLR_CMOS motherboard). 3. A damaged firmware needs a programmer. CH341A and firmware for a specific model (for example, for Mi Notebook Pro use the file) EC_1.07.06.bin). Table: Hot keys for different models Xiaomi Mi Notebook Laptop model Key to enter BIOS Boot Menu Notebook Air Notebook 12.5/13.3 F2 + Fn Esc Requires Fast Boot Mi Notebook Pro to be disabled 14/15 (2019–2021) F2 F12 Some versions of the Del Mi Notebook Lite Del F7 Sensitive to retention time (3–5 sec) Mi Gaming Laptop Del F11 Supports Legacy Mode Mi Notebook Ultra F2 Esc Requires an updated firmware UEFI (verm. 1.0.5+) If your model is not listed in the table, try the universal sequence: → press F2/Del/Esc 10+ intervally 0.5 This mimics the sticking of the key and increases the chances of success. Frequent errors and their solutions Even with the right actions, users face typical problems. Let's take a look at the most common: 🔄 Laptop ignores keys and loads Windows: Disable Fast Boot 2) or use the input through the reboot menu (Method) 3). 🔒 BIOS Requests password: If the password is not known, a reset will be required UEFI (battery-extracting CMOS or use of the Xiaomi utility UEFI Unlock Tool). 🖥️ Black screen after entering BIOS: Update the firmware UEFI via the official Xiaomi website or revert to the previous version. ⚡ The laptop is turned off when you enter BIOS: Problem with the power supply - check the charger (should be original, 65W/100W For models with discrete graphics NVIDIA (For example, Mi Notebook Pro X) when entering the BIOS Solution: Connect an external monitor to the HDMI. V BIOS Turn off the Switchable Graphics option (if available). VBIOS via NVFlash utility. 💡If the laptop does not respond to keys and does not load Windows, the only reliable way is to reset. UEFI by hardware-disabling the battery CMOS. On most Xiaomi models, it is located under the back cover, next to RAM. FAQ: Answers to popular questions: Can I enter into BIOS Is it possible to use a Xiaomi Mi Notebook without a keyboard? Yes, if the laptop is loading Windows. 3 (Reboot menu with Shift clamped.If the keyboard doesn't work fully, plug in USB-keyboard or use onscreen keyboard in the Windows Restore menu (Special features item). BIOS You can go to the factory settings if you don't have access. There are two options: Software reset: In the menu. BIOS Find Load Default Settings (usually in Exit) Hardware Reset: Turn off your laptop and remove the battery. Remove the back cover and find the battery. CR2032 (jumper CLR_CMOS). Remove the battery on 30 seconds or close the contacts of the jumper with a screwdriver on 10 For the Mi Notebook Air 12.5 and pro 15.6 battery CMOS It's located under the heat pipes -- be careful when disassembling! BIOS This is a typical problem with an interrupted firmware or incompatible version. UEFI. Decisions: 🔌 Power supply: Connect the original RMS (necessary) 65W/100W). 🔄 Blind Recovery: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. rename the file to bios.bin and put on FAT32-Put the flash drive in the laptop that's off, press Win. + B and turn on the power (hold on) 10 sack). 🛠️ Programming: If blind recovery does not help, you will need firmware through CH341A (For the first time, only for the power users! 15 Use the Xiaomi Flash Tool in Emergency mode. How to find out the version BIOS On Xiaomi Mi Notebook? there are three ways: Through Windows: Open Command Prompt and type: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion In BIOS: The version is displayed on the main screen (System Information section). CPU-Z: Download the utility. CPU-Z, Open the Mainboard tab - version BIOS field-marked BIOS Version. For Mi Notebook current versions UEFI (on 2026 year: Mi Notebook Air 13.3: 1.0.19+ Mi Notebook Pro 14/15: 1.0.15–1.0.22 Mi Notebook Ultra: 1.0.8+ Can I update you? BIOS Xiaomi Mi Notebook with Linux? officially Xiaomi does not provide firmware for Linux, but there are workarounds: Create a bootable flash drive with Windows PE (For example, Ventoy + figure Win10XPE). Download the firmware for your model from the official website (Support section) → Drivers. Run a firmware.exe file in a Windows environment PE. ⚠️ Risk: Update BIOS Linux is fraught with errors. We recommend using the original Windows or, in extreme cases, a virtual machine with USB pass.