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

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro laptops have gained popularity due to their powerful hardware and stylish design, but they often have difficulty trying to log into the BIOS (or UEFI). Unlike most laptops, where the input is made by standard keys (F2, Del), Xiaomi has a special process - especially on models with Windows 11 preinstalled and fast boot. This article will help you understand how to properly log into the BIOS on the Mi Notebook Pro (including versions 15.6, 14" and Xiaomi Book Pro), avoiding typical errors.

We'll look at all the current methods, from classic hotkeys to alternative ways through Windows settings or emergency shutdowns. We'll focus on the problems that users face when trying to log in to the BIOS, such as when a laptop "can't see" keystrokes or immediately boots up the system. If you plan to upgrade an SSD, reset or install another OS, you can't do without accessing the BIOS.

Why the standard methods don’t work on Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro

The main reason for the difficulties is the fast boot technology, which is activated by default in Windows 10/11 on Xiaomi laptops, while the system misses the keyboard initialization step, which simply prevents F2, Del or Esc from being logged, and the second feature is that the manufacturer has disabled the traditional BIOS login via keys on some models, replacing it with alternative methods.

Also, on the Mi Notebook Pro with NVMe drives (like the Samsung PM981 or WD Black SN750), the boot process takes fractions of a second, and the window to log into the BIOS is reduced to a minimum. If you tried to pinch F2 when you turned on and nothing happened, that's fine. Below we'll show you how to get around those restrictions.

• ⚡ Fast Boot blocks keystroke processing at start.
• 🔄 Some Xiaomi models have been disabled by the entrance F2/Del In favor of the download menu (Esc).
• 💾 NVMe drives speed up loading, reducing the time to log in BIOS before 1-2 seconds.
• 🔒 On laptops with BitLocker may require a temporary disabling of encryption.

Method 1: Hot key input (classical method)

Despite the peculiarities of Xiaomi, on most models of Mi Notebook Pro, it is still possible to log into the BIOS via keys - but requires the right sequence of actions. Importantly, this method only works if fast booting is disabled in Windows (for how to do this, see the next section).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the laptop completely (not restart!). To do this, press the power button for 5-7 seconds.
2. Press and hold the F2 key (to log into the BIOS) or Esc (to download the menu).
3. Press the power button and hold F2/Esc for another 3-5 seconds.
4. If the screen is black, try again, sometimes 2-3 attempts are required.

On some models (for example, Mi Notebook Pro X 15 2021) instead of F2 can work a combination of Fn + F2.

Turn off the laptop (not restart)|

Turn off fast booting in Windows|

Use the F2 or Esc| key

Try again 2-3 once-in-a-lifetime-->

Method 2: Disabling fast boot in Windows

If a laptop ignores keystrokes when it turns on, it's the fault of the Fast Boot function, which needs to be turned off in the Windows power settings, a method that works for the Mi Notebook Pro on Windows 10 and 11.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Control Panel (can be accessed via Windows search).
2. Go to the power supply → Actions of the power buttons.
3. Click Change settings that are not available now.
4. Uncheck the box from Enable Quick Start (recommended).
5. Save the changes and restart the laptop.

After disabling Fast Boot, try logging back into the BIOS via F2 or Esc. If the method didn't work, check the UEFI settings in Windows settings (for more on this in the next section).

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On laptops with BitLocker, before disabling Fast Boot, temporarily suspend encryption in Control Panel → Encrypt BitLocker disk, otherwise Windows may require a recovery key.

Method 3: Sign in via Windows 10/11 settings

The most reliable way to log into the BIOS on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro is to use the built-in Windows tools, which works even when the Fast Boot is on and does not require pressing the keys when booting.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

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

If the option "UEFI embedded software settings" is not in the menu, then the system disabled support for UEFI. In this case, emergency shutdown (method 4) or resetting BIOS settings (method 5) will help.

Method 4: Emergency shutdown for forced entry into the BIOS

If the laptop stubbornly ignores all attempts to log into the BIOS, you can use the “dirty” method of interrupting the system boot 3 times in a row, after which Windows automatically prompts you to start the recovery environment, from where you can go to UEFI.

How to do this:

1. Turn on your laptop and wait for the Xiaomi or Windows logo to appear.
2. Press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds to force the device to turn off.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 more 2 times (only 3 shutdowns).
4. On the 4th run, Windows will show the Automatic Recovery screen.
5. Select Additional Settings → UEFI Built-in Software Settings.

⚠️ Note: This method can lead to a drive check (chkdsk) on your next Windows run.If your laptop has important data, pre-restore it.

On Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro models with Intel Optane discs or RAID-This method may not work in large quantities – in this case, use the reset. CMOS (5).

Method 5: Reset BIOS via CMOS (for power users)

If none of the above methods worked, the last resort is to reset the BIOS settings through the CMOS battery, which will bring all parameters back to factory settings, including boot priority and security settings, which requires disassembling the laptop and is only suitable for users with experience.

What you need:

• 🔧 Torx screwdriver T5 (post-cap).
• 📌 Tweezers or plastic spatula.
• 🔋 New battery CR2032 (Optionally, if the old one is discharged).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger.
2. Turn over the Mi Notebook Pro and unscrew all the screws on the back cover.
3. Carefully remove the lid (start at the corner near the loop).
4. Find a CMOS battery (usually next to RAM or SSD).
5. Remove the battery for 10-15 minutes, then set back.
6. Collect a laptop and turn it on – the BIOS will reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro X models 15 (2021) newer battery CMOS It can be soldered to the motherboard, and then you need to close the contacts to reset it. CLR_CMOS (Look for the cardboard).

Solving common problems when entering the BIOS

Even after successfully logging into the BIOS on the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro, users face typical difficulties.

Problem 1: BIOS in Chinese

On some models (especially those bought in China), the BIOS interface is displayed in Chinese by default.

1. Find the tab with the icon 🌐 or a language.
2. Select English (usually the second or third item in the list).
3. Save settings (F10) and restart the laptop.

Problem 2: No booting visible USB-storage

If you have connected a flash drive with Windows or Linux, but it does not appear in the download menu:

• 🔌 Reconnect the flash drive to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 V BIOS Disable Secure Boot (Boot or Security tab).
• 💾 Check that the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 (for UEFI).
• 🔧 Update. BIOS Up to the latest version (instructions on Xiaomi website).

Problem 3: The BIOS asks for a password

If the laptop is bought with hands and the BIOS has a password, you can reset it only through CMOS (method 5) or by contacting the service center. Independent resetting the password on Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro without disassembly is impossible - the manufacturer does not provide for "back doors".

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If you plan to sell a laptop, be sure to unplug the password from the BIOS and disable BitLocker.Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to reinstall the system or change the boot settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about BIOS on Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro