Introduction: why you need a BIOS on Xiaomi laptops
BIOS (or its modern counterpart UEFI) — It's low-level software that runs before the operating system. On Xiaomi laptops (RedmiBook series, Mi Notebook Pro, Mi Air and others) BIOS You can configure boot settings, enable VT-x virtualization, change the priority of boot devices, or even update your firmware. Without access to this menu, you can't install an alternative OS (like Linux), reset your Windows password, or diagnose hardware problems.
Xiaomi laptops feature fast boot, which often blocks standard ways of entering the BIOS. In addition, the manufacturer sometimes changes the key combinations depending on the model and year of release. In this article, we will analyze all the current login methods, including hidden tricks for new devices from 2023 to 2026, and solve typical problems that users face.
If you've never logged in to a BIOS before, don't worry. It takes less than a minute, and our instructions are good for beginners, and the key is to not change the settings that you don't know what you're going to do, so you don't have to disrupt your laptop.
Standard keys for entering the BIOS on Xiaomi
Most Xiaomi laptops use one of three keys (or combinations) to log into the BIOS, but because of the UEFI firmware, standard methods may not work the first time.
- 🔹 RedmiBook 14/15/16 (generation): F2 or Del (hold immediately after switching on).
- 🔹 Mi Notebook Pro (2020–2026): F2 + Fn (if key) F2 It works like a multimedia).
- 🔹 Mi Notebook Air (12.5" and 13.3"): Del or F12 (depending on the version BIOS).
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Gaming Laptop: F7 (rare but confirmed by users).
Important: On some models, the F2 key may require holding for 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.If the laptop loads too quickly, try disabling Fast Boot on Windows (read more about this below).
If the standard keys don't work, don't panic. In the next section, we'll look at alternative ways, including Windows login and emergency menus.
Alternative ways to enter the BIOS
When hotkeys are ignored, software techniques come to the rescue, and they have the advantage of being reliable, because they don't depend on the speed of the buttons pressed.
1. Through Windows settings (for UEFI)
This method works on all Xiaomi laptops with Windows 10/11 preinstalled:
- Open Start → 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.
⚠️ Note: If the item Set parameters of embedded software UEFI No support is available, so your laptop has disabled support. UEFI In Windows settings, you can turn it on via the command line (see next section).
2. via the command line (for experienced users)
If the recovery menu is not available, use the command to force the BIOS to reboot:
shutdown /r /fw /f /t 0Enter it in Command Prompt (administrator) or in Win + R. The laptop will reboot and open UEFI.
Disable Fast Boot on Windows
Charge your laptop at least 30%
Connect the charger (recommended)
Close all programs before restarting-->
Problem Solving: The BIOS is not open
Even with the right actions, the BIOS can get blocked, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| F2/Del keys are not working. | Fast Boot enabled in Windows or BIOS | Disconnect to Control Panel → Power supply → Action of power buttons → Change of inaccessible parameters |
| The laptop immediately loads Windows | UEFI is set to fast loading | Use the method through Windows Settings (see above) |
| Black screen after pressing the key | Video card driver conflict | Update Intel/NVIDIA drivers or reset the BIOS (take out the CMOS battery) |
| Requests a password | Password set in BIOS | Reset your BIOS settings (see section below) or contact the service |
💡 If Xiaomi laptop is new and not activated yet, try logging in BIOS until the first setup of Windows. F2 immediately after activation, before the logo of the system appears.
What to do if the laptop does not respond to the keys?
How to Reset the BIOS Settings on Xiaomi
If you change the BIOS settings and the laptop stops booting, you'll need to reset to factory settings. There are two ways:
1. Software reset (via BIOS menu)
If you can log in to the BIOS:
- Go to the Exit tab (or Save & Exit).
- Choose Load Default Settings or Restore Defaults.
- Save Changes and Resets (Save Changes and Resets)
2. Hardware reset (if the BIOS is blocked)
This will require:
- Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger.
- Remove the back cover (on most Xiaomi models it is attached to 8-10 Torx T5 screws).
- Find the CMOS battery (silver round element CR2032) on the motherboard.
- Take it out carefully for 10-15 minutes, then insert it back.
⚠️ Note: On laptops Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14/15 2023 battery CMOS This can be soldered, in which case the reset will require special equipment (programmer). CH341A). Don’t try to do it yourself without experience!
💡
Resetting the BIOS removes all user settings, including download priority and passwords. After the procedure, Windows may need to be re-activated.
Features of the BIOS on new Xiaomi models (2023-2026)
Xiaomi laptops of the latest generations (for example, RedmiBook Pro 16 2026 or Mi Notebook Ultra) received an updated UEFI with a number of changes:
- 🔧 New interface: Graphic BIOS with mouse support (similar to that). ASUS Lenovo).
- 🔒 Secure Boot 3.0: More rigorous verification of boot file signatures.
- ⚡ Fast Boot 2.0: Accelerated boot that can block the input keys.
- 🖥️ Support TPM 2.0: Mandatory for Windows 11.
On these models, you often need to turn off quick booting in Windows to log into the BIOS:
- Open the control panel. → Power supply.
- Select the Action of the Power buttons → Change of inaccessible parameters.
- Uncheck the box from Enable Quick Start.
- Save the changes and restart the laptop.
On Xiaomi laptops 2026 Intel-based 13/14 generational AMD Ryzen 7000 entrance BIOS You may need to pre-disable Modern Standby in the Windows Registry. Create an EnableUltraLowPowerState setting with a value 0 branch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the BIOS, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- Change of unknown settings: Do not touch the Configuration CPU settings, Memory Timings or PCIe Settings if you do not understand their purpose. This can lead to unstable operation or even damage to the equipment.
- Disabling Secure Boot without need: On Windows 11 laptops, this will cause boot errors.
- Ignoring BIOS updates: Outdated firmware may contain vulnerabilities. Check the version's relevance on Xiaomi's official website.
- Reset BIOS without backup: Before reset, take a picture of your current settings (especially Boot Order and Security).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi laptops with dual graphics (Intel) + NVIDIA) disconnection of the integrated video adapter in BIOS It's going to go to the black screen, and you can only reset it by resetting it. CMOS or connecting an external monitor.