How to turn on the BIOS on the Xiaomi laptop: all the ways and secrets

Xiaomi laptops (Mi Notebook and RedmiBook series) have gained popularity due to a combination of performance and affordable price. However, when setting up a system or diagnosing equipment, users often need access to the BIOS, the basic I/O system. Unlike traditional PCs where you log in by pressing F2 or Del, Xiaomi devices have nuances associated with fast Windows boot and UEFI features.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to log into the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops, including models with Windows 10/11 and Linux, as well as solutions to typical problems (for example, when the keys do not work or the menu does not appear). We will analyze both standard methods and alternative methods - through system settings or emergency shutdown. Special attention is paid to the unique feature of Xiaomi laptops: blocking the BIOS keys when Fast Boot mode is turned on on on on on on on Windows.

Why can’t I go to the BIOS on Xiaomi?

The main reason for the difficulties is Fast Boot technology, which is activated by default in Windows, and in this mode the operating system uses a hybrid shutdown method, which causes the keys to log into the BIOS (F2, Del, Esc) to simply fail.

• 🔹 Incorrect pressing time – the key must be held immediately after switching on, but not before the Xiaomi logo goes out.
• 🔹 The keyboard's off. UEFI (rare, but found on some firmware).
• 🔹 Damaged boot sector – if the laptop has previously been switched off incorrectly.
• 🔹 An outdated version BIOS — Early Mi Notebook Air models (2016–2017) were not used for entry.

If you tried to log in to the BIOS in the standard way (holding F2 when booting) and nothing happened, don’t panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by turning off Fast Boot on Windows or using alternative methods described below.

Method 1: Standard input via F2 key (for most models)

This method works on most Xiaomi laptops released after 2018 (Mi Notebook Pro, RedmiBook 14/15/16, etc.).

1. Turn off your laptop completely (do not use sleep mode!).
2. Press and hold the F2 key.
3. Without releasing F2, press the power button.
4. Hold F2 until the BIOS menu appears (usually 3-5 seconds).

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

• 🔄 Use the Del or Esc key instead of the F2 (on some models).
• 🔄 Press the key not immediately, but after the appearance of the Xiaomi logo (but before the start of Windows).
• 🔄 Connect an external keyboard (in case of malfunction of the built-in one).

Turn off your laptop (not reboot!)

Turn it off. USB-devices (mouse, flash drives)

Make sure that the battery is >20%

Use the key. F2 (or Del/Esc old-model)-->

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi laptops with Windows 11 preinstalled, Secure Boot protection can work, blocking access to the Internet BIOS When holding keys. In this case, use the method through Windows settings.

Method 2: Log in via the boot menu (Boot Menu)

If the F2 key doesn’t work, try opening the Boot Menu first and then going to the BIOS. This works on most Xiaomi models, including the RedmiBook 15 and Mi Notebook Pro X:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press and hold Esc.
3. Turn on your laptop without letting go of Esc.
4. In the menu that appears, select Enter Setup (or BIOS Setup) and press Enter.

If the download menu doesn't appear, it's disabled in the UEFI settings on your model, in which case move on to the next method.

Method 3: Through Windows settings (if the keys don't work)

If your laptop loads Windows immediately and doesn't respond to the keys, use the built-in tools. This method is guaranteed to work on Windows 10/11:

1. Open Options → Update and Security → Recovery.
2. In the Special Download Options section, click Reboot Now.
3. After the reboot, select: Diagnostics → Additional settings → UEFI embedded software settings.
4. Click Reboot – the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.

If the option of embedded UEFI software is not in the menu, it means:

• 🔹 Fast Boot is included in BIOS — It should be turned off (see the next section).
• 🔹 The laptop does not support this method (rarely, only on very old models).

💡

If there is no UEFI option in the Additional Options menu, try disabling Quick Start in Windows: Open Control Panel → PowerPower → Power button actions → Change settings that are currently unavailable → uncheck the tick from "Enable Quick Start."

Method 4: Emergency shutdown (for stubborn systems)

This method forcibly interrupts Windows booting, causing the system to show the recovery menu from where you can go to the BIOS.

1. Turn on your laptop and wait for Windows to start loading (logo or download mugs).
2. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the laptop turns off.
3. Repeat the process 2-3 times in a row. For the 3rd time, the system will automatically open the Automatic Recovery menu.
4. Select: Additional settings → UEFI built-in software settings.

⚠️ Warning: Frequent forced shutdowns can damage the file system. Use this method only if other options have not worked. BIOS Check the health of the disk through chkdsk /f command-line.

Problem Solving: BIOS does not open or keyboard is not visible

If you have all the instructions, but the BIOS still doesn’t open, check the following points:

1.The keyboard doesn't work in the BIOS

On some Xiaomi models (especially Mi Notebook Air 12.5), the built-in keyboard may not be recognized in the BIOS.

• 🔹 Connect the outside. USB-keyboard (preferably wired).
• 🔹 Update. BIOS Up to the latest version (instruction below).
• 🔹 Reset the settings. BIOS, battery-free CMOS (Only for experienced users!).

2. Black screen after pressing F2

If the screen goes out or stays black, the reason may be:

• 🔹 Damaged firmware. BIOS — need to be reflashed.
• 🔹 Conflict with a video card (on models with a NVIDIA MX). Try to connect an external monitor.
• 🔹 Disabled image output - press Fn + F5/F6 (switching).

3. BIOS opens but settings are not saved

If the settings are reset after changing the parameters and saving (F10), this indicates:

• 🔹 Battery discharged CMOS (Xiaomi laptops have soldered it, so you need a service center.
• 🔹 A damaged chip. BIOS — I need a re-flashing programmator.

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If BIOS Opens but does not respond to the keyboard – try the external one first USB-Keyboard. 80 percent of the time, it solves the problem.

How to Update the BIOS on Xiaomi Laptop (If Entry Is Not Possible)

If the BIOS doesn't open due to a software glitch, a firmware update can help. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its laptops fixing bugs with UEFI access.

1. Download the latest version of the BIOS from the official Xiaomi website (Support → Downloads section).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the firmware file (usually with the.fd or.cap extension) to the flash drive formatted in FAT32.
3. Connect the flash drive to your laptop and try to log into the BIOS in the standard way (F2).
4. In the BIOS, find the Advanced → BIOS Update section and select the file from the flash drive.

If you can't log in to the BIOS, even for an upgrade, the only option is to run the emergency firmware through the programmer.

• 🔹 Programmer CH341A (~500 rubles.).
• 🔹 Smoothing iron and electronics skills.
• 🔹 dump BIOS For your model (you can find it in forums, for example, 4PDA).

⚠️ Attention: Wrong firmware BIOS If you're not sure about your abilities, you can go to Xiaomi's service center: ~1500–2500 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about BIOS on Xiaomi