Why you need a BIOS on Xiaomi laptops and when to open it
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a low-level software that manages the hardware components of your Xiaomi Notebook or RedmiBook before you even boot the operating system. Without access to this menu, you canβt change boot priority (for example, to install Windows from a flash drive), enable VT-x virtualization for emulators, update UEFI firmware, or reset to factory settings.
Owners of Xiaomi laptops often face difficulties when trying to enter the BIOS: some models ignore the standard keys (F2, Del), and in Windows 11, entering through the βSettingsβ may not work due to fast boot. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for different models β from the budget RedmiBook 15 to the flagship Mi Notebook Pro X, and also solve typical problems such as a black screen or lack of key response.
Method 1: Standard input with hot keys
The most universal method is to use keys when you turn on your laptop, but Xiaomi has a nuance: some models require you to hold the button until the logo appears, rather than press it after it.
- β‘ Turn off your laptop completely (don't restart!) If it freezes, hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- π Press the power button and continuously press (or hold) one of the keys: F2 β For most RedmiBook and Mi Notebook models (2020-2026) Del is an alternative for some versions. BIOS. F12 β Call the boot menu (Boot Menu) from where you can go to BIOS.
- π₯οΈ Release the key when you see the screen. BIOS (usually blue or gray with a logo AMI or InsydeH2O).
If the laptop ignores the taps, try disabling quick boot in Windows (more on this below) or use hardware reset (method 4).
Turn off the laptop completely (not sleep mode)
Hold F2/Del immediately after pressing the power button
Release the key when the BIOS logo appears
If it doesnβt work, repeat with another key (F12, Esc)
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Method 2: Sign in to Windows 10/11 settings
Modern versions of Windows block access to the BIOS through keys due to the Fast Boot function, in which case the built-in reboot menu will help:
- Open Start β Settings β Update & Security β Recovery (Windows 10) or Start β Settings β System β Recovery (Windows 11).
- Click "Reboot Now" in the "Special Download Options" section.
- After the reboot, select: Diagnostics β Additional settings β UEFI embedded software settings.
- Confirm the reboot β the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.
β οΈ Note: If the paragraph "Parameters of embedded software" UEFI" No menu, so support is disabled in your system UEFI (or used out of date BIOS). In this case, go back to method 1 or update the motherboard firmware.
RedmiBook 14/15/16 (2020β2023)
Mi Notebook Pro/Air (2019β2022)
Mi Notebook Pro X (2021β2026)
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi (another brand)
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Method 3: Disable fast boot (Fast Boot)
The Fast Boot function in Windows and Fast Startup in the BIOS speeds up the system boot, but blocks access to the settings menu via keys.
On Windows:
- Open the control panel. β Power supply.
- On the left, select "Power button actions".
- Click on "Change settings that are not available now."
- Uncheck the box from "Enable Quick Start" and save the changes.
In the BIOS (if you can get there):
- Find the Boot or Advanced section.
- Turn off the Fast Boot option (which can be called Quick Boot or Ultra Fast Boot).
- Save settings (F10) and restart.
After disabling Fast Boot, try logging back into the BIOS via F2/Del β now the keys must work.
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If after disabling Fast Boot laptop began to boot longer, return the setting back to the BIOS. for one-time tasks (for example, installing Windows) enough temporary shutdown.
Method 4: Hardware reset BIOS (for power users)
If a Xiaomi laptop does not respond to keys and does not load into the BIOS, you can perform a hardware reset, which is suitable for models with a collapsible body (for example, the Mi Notebook Pro 15.6" 2020).
Attention! Mistakes may result in a loss of warranty or failure. If you are not sure, contact the service center.
- π οΈ Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger.
- π§ Remove the bottom cover (a cross screwdriver will be required).
- π Find a battery on the motherboard CMOS (round, silver) or jumper (usually signed CLR_CMOS or JCMOS).
- π Remove the battery for 30 seconds or close the contacts of the jumper with a screwdriver for 10 seconds.
- π Collect a laptop and turn it on β BIOS drop off.
On Xiaomi laptops with soldered CMOS battery (for example, RedmiBook 14 2023), hardware reset is impossible without specialized equipment.
What to do if after resetting the BIOS laptop does not turn on?
Table: Hot keys for different models Xiaomi Notebook
| Laptop model | Key to enter the BIOS | Keyboard for Boot Menu | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RedmiBook 14/15/16 (2020β2023) | F2 | F12 | Some versions require Fn + F2 to be retained. |
| Mi Notebook Air 12.5"/13.3" (2019β2021) | Del | F7 | Fast boot blocks keys β disable it in Windows |
| Mi Notebook Pro X 15 (2021β2026) | F2 | F11 | Supports Secure Boot β you will need a password to disable |
| Mi Gaming Laptop (2018β2022) | Del | F12 | He has two. BIOS-chip (main and backup) |
If your model is not in the table, try the universal keys: F2, Del, Esc or F1. On new Xiaomi laptops with UEFI instead of the classic BIOS, you can open a graphical menu with mouse support.
Problem Solving: Black screen, no response to keys
If your laptop is not included in the BIOS, check the following points:
- π Power: Connect the charger - some models block BIOS low-charge.
- π₯οΈ Connected devices: Disconnect all USB-Devices (flash drives, mice, keyboards) β they may conflict with initialization BIOS.
- π Windows Reset: If the laptop boots into the system, use method 2 (via "Settings").
- π οΈ Hardware malfunctions: If after discharge CMOS The screen is black, and the chip may be damaged. BIOS (Refrigeration of the programmer is required).
β οΈ Note: On Xiaomi laptops with BitLocker (disk encryption) after changing settings BIOS You may need a recovery key. Make sure you have one, or disable BitLocker in advance through the Control Panel β Encrypting the BitLocker disk.
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If your laptop doesnβt respond to any keys, and Windows doesnβt have a βUEFI embedded software settingsβ option, you probably have an outdated version of the BIOS. Update it via Xiaomiβs official website or the MIUI+ For PC utility (for some models).