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

Xiaomi laptops are popular devices with excellent value for money, but sometimes users need access to low-level system settings. Signing in to the BIOS (or its modern UEFI analog) may be necessary to change the boot order, enable virtualization, update firmware or diagnose equipment. However, Mi Notebook and RedmiBook owners often have difficulties with this procedure due to the peculiarities of the boot implementation.

Unlike traditional PCs, where you just press Del or F2 to log in to the BIOS at start, Xiaomi laptops use Fast Boot fast loading, which hides the screen with the logo and prevents the user from reacting in time. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the BIOS on Mi Notebook Air, Mi Notebook Pro, RedmiBook 14/15/16 and others, including solutions for cases when standard methods do not work.

Why don’t standard keys work on Xiaomi?

The main problem when trying to log into the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops is with Fast Boot technology, which is activated by default in most models.This feature shortens Windows startup time by skipping the initialization step of peripherals, including keyboards.

• 🔑 Pressing. F2, Del or Esc are ignored by the system.
• 🖥️ The screen with the Xiaomi logo is displayed for less than a second or does not appear at all.
• ⚡ The laptop starts loading Windows without the ability to interrupt the process.

In addition, some models (such as the Mi Notebook Pro X 15) use Secure Boot with a BIOS lock without prior preparation, which is designed to protect against unauthorized changes, but makes life difficult for users who need to change settings.

Method 1: Hot keys for entering the BIOS

Despite the Fast Boot, most Xiaomi models are able to log in to the BIOS via keyboard combinations, and the key is to press them at the right moment.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off your laptop completely (not restart!).
2. Press the desired key (for example, F2).
3. Without letting go, press the power button.
4. Hold the key until the BIOS screen appears (usually 3-5 seconds).

Disable Fast Boot in Windows (if possible)

Connect the laptop to charging

Use the laptop keyboard (not USB)

Repeat the attempt 2-3 times if you fail-->

⚠️ Note: On Windows 11 models and Secure Boot enabled, you may need to pre-disable Fast Startup in power settings. → Power supply → Action of power buttons → Change inaccessible settings and uncheck the tick from Enable Quick Start.

Method 2: Through the Windows Download Menu

If the hotkeys don't work, you can use the built-in Windows 10/11 tools, which works even with an active Fast Boot, as it initializes a reboot through UEFI.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open the settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Update and Security → Recovery.
3. In the Special Download Options section, click Reboot Now.
4. After restarting, select Diagnostic → Additional settings → UEFI embedded software settings.
5. Confirm the reboot – the laptop will automatically enter the BIOS.

Alternatively, through the command line (launch it on behalf of the administrator):

shutdown /r /fw /f /t 0

This command forcibly restarts the system in UEFI mode, bypassing Fast Boot.

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If the laptop boots to Windows instead of the BIOS after completing the command, check if the Safe Boot option is enabled in the firmware settings. Some Xiaomi models require you to first disable Secure Boot through the Windows Recovery menu.

Method 3: Hardware reset (for power users)

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi Notebook Pro 2020) have the ability to reset the BIOS settings through a hardware button on the motherboard, a method that should only be used as a last resort, as it resets all settings to factory settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the laptop and turn off the charger.
2. Turn over the laptop and remove the bottom cover (a cross screwdriver will be required).
3. Find the CMOS Reset button on the motherboard (usually signed or located next to the BIOS battery).
4. Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
5. Put your laptop together and turn it on, and the system will automatically log into the BIOS.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your laptop voids warranty! If you're unsure of your skills, contact the service center.On RedmiBook models with soldered battery CMOS Reset may result in a loss of time and date, but will not affect the basic settings.

Solving problems when entering the BIOS

If none of the methods worked, the reasons may be:

• 🔋 Battery discharged CMOS — On older models (Mi Notebook Air 12.5), the battery can run down, which blocks access to the battery. BIOS. Solution: Replacing the battery (CR2032).
• 🔐 Password Blocking – Some Xiaomi laptops come with factory passwords BIOS (Solution: Seek support with proof of purchase.
• 🖥️ Damaged firmware. BIOS — If the laptop does not load at all, you will need to flash through CH341A or similar programmer.
• 🔌 Keyboard problems – if the keys don’t respond, plug in USB-keyboard and try again.

To diagnose hardware problems, you can use a diagnostic mode:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Hold the D (Latin) and hold it.
3. Press the power button and hold the D for 10-15 seconds.
4. If the laptop is working, the built-in testing of the equipment will start.

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If a Xiaomi laptop doesn’t respond to any keyboard combinations, check the keyboard connection first (especially after disassembly). On models with backlit keyboards, the malfunction can manifest as a complete lack of response to presses.

Features of BIOS on different models Xiaomi

The BIOS firmware on Xiaomi laptops differs depending on the series and year of release, below are the key features for popular models:

On models with Intel 11th-generation and later processors (such as the Mi Notebook Pro X 15 2022), the BIOS has a Resizable BAR option that can improve game performance by 5-10%. Activated in the Advanced → PCIe Configuration section.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops, users often make critical errors that can lead to the failure of the device.

• 🔄 Reset without saving - if you have changed settings (such as download order) but have not pressed Save & Exit, the settings will not apply. Always check that the changes are saved!
• 🔒 Disabling Secure Boot unnecessarily reduces system security.Do this only if you install an alternative OS (e.g. Linux).
• ⚡ Update BIOS without backup power - if the laptop turns off during firmware, the motherboard may fail. Always use the charger!
• 🖥️ Change of settings TPM — on models with Windows 11 disconnection TPM 2.0 will cause loading errors.

To minimize the risks:

1. Before entering the BIOS, take a picture of the current settings (you can use your phone).
2. Do not change settings that you do not know the purpose of (for example, the Lock Configuration CPU).
3. If the laptop stopped booting after the changes, try resetting the BIOS by clamping F2 + Power on the device turned off.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions