How to format Xiaomi RedmiBook 8 Pro laptop: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi RedmiBook laptops 8 Pro with their powerful iron (Intel Core processors) i5/i7 11-generation or AMD Ryzen 5/7 5000) and SSD-Unlike smartphones, where you just need to reset menus, you need to know about partitions, file system types, and recovery methods. This guide covers all the current methods, from simple Windows reset. 10/11 to complete formatting through BIOS load-drive.

It is important to understand that the term formatting is often confused with factory reset. In the case of RedmiBook 8 Pro, these are different procedures: Reset – returns the system to its original state, but retains the structure of the disk. Formatting – completely cleans the drive by removing all partitions (including those hidden for recovery).

The choice of method depends on the goal: if the laptop slows down, reset enough; if you sell the device or change the OS, you need a full formatting.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do in Advance

Before you start, follow 3 critical steps, and ignoring them can result in the loss of the Windows license (if it was tied to the motherboard through a digital license) or the inability to recover data.

• 🔋 Charge your laptop at least 70%. The formatting process can take up to 2 hours, and an interrupt due to battery discharge will damage the partition table.
• 💾 Back up important files. Use external files. SSD or cloud (e.g. Xiaomi Cloud gives 5TB for backups). Pay special attention to the Documents, Desktop and AppData folders (which store game saves and program settings).
• 🔑 Check the binding of the Windows license. Run the settings → Update and security → Activation: If activated with a digital license, the key will be automatically restored after reinstalling. If not, save the key with the ProduKey utility.
• 📥 Download drivers for RedmiBook 8 Pro. On the official website of Xiaomi](https://www.mi.com/global/support/) Select a model and download the driver package for your version of Windows. After formatting, the network adapters may not work!

For RedmiBook 8 Pro models with two drives (SSD + HDD), decide which drive you will format. For example, if Windows is installed on an SSD and files are stored on an HDD, you can format only the system drive.

⚠️ Note: If you use BitLocker (disk encryption), first disable it through the Control Panel → BitLocker drive encryption. Otherwise, after formatting, the data will be irretrievably lost, even if you made a backup - it is impossible to decrypt it without a key.

Method 1: Reset to factory settings via Windows

The simplest method, which does not require additional devices, is suitable if:

• 🖥️ The laptop is turned on and loads Windows.
• 🔄 You need to eliminate software errors (viruses, brakes).
• 📦 No need to change the structure of the disk (for example, to combine partitions).

Instructions:

1. Open Options → Update and Security → Recovery.
2. In the "Return the computer to its original state" section, click Start.
3. Select: Save my files – deletes programs and settings, but leaves personal data in the folders Documents, Images, etc. Delete everything – a complete reset with the formatting of the system partition.

Yes.

Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (it will take 30-90 minutes).

After the reboot, you will get a clean Windows with drivers pre-installed from Xiaomi. However, some components (such as the Fn function keys or touchpad) may not work correctly - install drivers from the previously downloaded package.

⚠️ Note: If you fail to find the recovery environment, you have damaged the recovery partition. In this case, use Method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Formatting via BIOS from boot flash drive

This method is needed if:

• 🚫 Windows does not boot (cyclical reboot, blue screen).
• 🔄 You need to change the file system (for example, with the NTFS exFAT).
• 💽 You need to format the disk before installing another OS (Linux, macOS).

The work will require:

• 📁 A flash drive. ≥8GB (recommended) USB 3.0 to speed up the process).
• 🖥️ Another computer to create a bootable media.
• 📥 Windows image 10/11 (Download from [the official Microsoft website](https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/) or through the Media Creation Tool).
• 🔧 Image recording utility: Rufus (recommended) or Ventoy.

Steps:

1. Create a bootable flash drive: Open Rufus, select a flash drive and downloaded ISO-In the settings, specify: Partition diagram: GPT (for UEFI). Target system: UEFI (non-CSM) File system: FAT32. Press Start and wait until it is completed.
2. Boot from the flash drive: Insert the flash drive into the RedmiBook 8 Pro and reboot it. When the Xiaomi logo appears, repeatedly press F12 (or Del to log into the BIOS). In the boot menu (Boot Menu), select your flash drive (it can be called UEFI: [Track Name]).

Start the installation of Windows

• On the language selection screen, press Shift + F10 and the Command Prompt will open.
• Enter the diskpart list disk select disk 0 (where 0 is your SSD number, specify by size!) clean convert gpt create partition primary size=100 format fs=fat32 quick create partition primary format fs=ntfs quick exit
• Close the command line and continue installing Windows. During the disk selection phase, select the formatted partition.

After you complete the installation, don’t forget to install the drivers from Xiaomi – drivers for touchpad, Wi-Fi and sound card are especially important.

Method 3: Complete formatting with removal of all partitions

This method deletes all data without recovery, including:

• 🗃️ Recovery section (Recovery).
• 📁 Hidden sections with drivers (ESP, MSR).
• 💽 Secondary disk (HDD), if there is.

Use it only if:

• 🔄 Planning to sell/give a laptop and want to erase all traces of use.
• 🛠️ You need to change the structure of the disks (for example, combine). SSD and HDD one-volume).
• 🐛 Laptop infected with viruses that are not deleted in other ways.

Instructions:

1. Create a bootable flash drive (as in Method 2).
2. Download from it and on the Windows installation screen, press Shift + F10.
3. In the command line, type: diskpart list disk select disk 0 (replace 0 with your SSD number) clean all (this is a complete cleanup command, takes a few hours!) exit The clean all command overwrites each sector of the disk by zeros, making data recovery impossible.
4. Once completed, create new partitions (as in Method 2) and install Windows.

⚠️ Note: On RedmiBook 8 Pro models with two drives (SSD + HDD) The clean all command will run separately for each disk. SSD, Make sure you choose the right disk in your diskpart (size orientated).

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If your laptop doesn’t see Wi-Fi after formatting, download the driver for the Intel AX200 network card (or Qualcomm Atheros for some modifications) from Xiaomi’s official website.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If the audio is gone after formatting, check with Device Manager for a Realtek Audio or Nahimic device. RedmiBook 8 Pro often requires manual installation of the Realtek 6.0.9030.1 driver (newer versions may not work).

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On Xiaomi RedmiBook 8 Pro laptops with AMD Ryzen 5000 processors, the brightness adjustment may not work after formatting. Solution: install the AMD Chipset and AMD PSP driver manually from the official AMD website.

Data recovery after formatting: is it possible?

If you accidentally format a disk without a backup, the chances of recovery depend on the formatting method:

• 🔄 Fast formatting (format fs)=ntfs quick: Data can be recovered using R-Studio, EaseUS Data Recovery or TestDisk. 60–80%.
• 🧹 Full formatting (format fs)=ntfs without quick: chances are lower (30–50%) as sectors overwrite.
• 🚫 Clean all command: recovery is impossible - all data is zeroed.

For maximum odds:

1. Stop using your laptop immediately (do not install programs, do not copy files).
2. Connect. SSD to another computer through USB-Adapter or install it on another PC.
3. Use R-Studio (for a fee, but the most effective) or PhotoRec (for free, but without a graphical interface).
4. Scan the disk for file signatures (e.g.,.docx,.jpg).

Important: Even if files are recovered, their structure (folder names, creation dates) is likely lost.For the RedmiBook 8 Pro with NVMe SSD, the odds are lower than for the SATA SSD, due to the controller's features.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions