Resetting Xiaomi RedmiBook laptop 9 Pro to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing critical system failures. Unlike smartphones, where resets are often done through the recovery menu, on laptops running Windows. 10/11 It's a different algorithm, and it's important to take into account the nuances, from saving personal data to choosing the right method depending on the state of the device.
Many users are afraid to reset themselves for fear of losing important files or even breaking a laptop. In fact, with proper preparation, the risks are minimal. The main thing is to understand that a complete reset removes all programs, settings and files from the system drive (usually C:), returning the RedmiBook 9 Pro to the state it was when it first booted. If you plan to sell or transfer the laptop to another person, this is the perfect way to ensure that your data does not fall into the wrong hands.
In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (including the option for cases when Windows does not boot), elaborate on the preparation and recovery of data, and answer frequent questions. 9 Pro based on Windows 10/11 with the original firmware Xiaomi.
1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance
Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the steps you need to take, which will help you avoid losing important data and make it easier to set up your laptop after the procedure.
The first step is backup. Even if you're planning to reset due to a problem, save copies of documents, photos and other files to an external drive or to the cloud. Note that after the reset, not only will the files from the desktop be deleted, but also:
- ๐ Downloads, Documents, Images and Videos from the user profile;
- ๐ฎ Installed programs (including licensed ones, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop);
- ๐ Saved passwords in browsers and applications;
- ๐ต Music and media files, if stored on the system disk.
For backup, you can use:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ External hard drive or SSD (Recommended Option for Large Data Volumes);
- โ๏ธ Cloud services: Google Drive, OneDrive (15 GB free), Yandex Drive;
- ๐ Built-in utility File History (Parameters) โ Update and security โ Archiving service).
โ ๏ธ Note: If the laptop is not turned on or Windows is not booting, you will have to back up via a Live drive (for example, Ubuntu in "Try Without Installation" mode) or by connecting the hard drive to another PC. M.2-to-USB (Depending on the type of storage in your model).
Also check:
- ๐ Battery charge (it is desirable to connect the laptop to the network during resetting);
- ๐ก Internet connection stability (required to boot Windows when recovering);
- ๐ Availability of the Windows license key (usually it is tied to the motherboard, but it is better to clarify through the wmic path softwarelicensingservice command get). OA3xOriginalProductKey command-line).
Create a backup copy of important files
Check the battery charge and connect the charger
Ensure the stability of the Internet connection
Write the Windows license key (if not tied to the motherboard)
Prepare a Windows installation media (in case of a failure)-->
Method 2: Reset via Windows settings (recommended method)
This is the easiest and safest way to do this, and it works if the laptop is turned on and Windows is booting at least to the login screen.The interface may vary slightly depending on the OS version, but the overall algorithm is the same.
To start the reset:
- Open Windows Settings (Win + I)
- Go to the Update and Security section โ Recovery.
- In the "Return the computer to its original state" block, click the Start button.
The system will then offer two options:
- Save My Files โ deletes programs and settings, but leaves personal files (not recommended, as there may be traces of accounts and configurations);
- Remove everything โ a complete reset with the system disk cleanup (the best choice for selling or fixing serious failures).
Select "Delete everything" and follow the prompts.
- ๐ "Just delete my files" - quick reset (files are deleted, but they can be restored by special programs);
- ๐งน "Complete Disk Cleanup โ a safe option that overwrites data (recommended when transferring a laptop to another owner).
The process will take from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the performance of the laptop and the chosen cleaning method. Upon completion, the RedmiBook 9 Pro will automatically restart and prompt you to configure Windows as when you first turn on.
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If the laptop is slow after reset, check the drivers in Device Manager (Win) + X โ Xiaomi often supplies special drivers for touchpad, keyboard and power management โ they can be downloaded from the official website in the RedmiBook 9 Pro section.
Method 3: Reset via the Recovery Menu (if Windows does not boot)
If your laptop is turned on but Windows is not booting (e.g., a blue screen or a cyclic reboot appears), use the built-in recovery menu.
- Turn off the laptop by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
- Turn it on and press it several times at once. F12 (Or Esc, then. F12), open the download menu.
- Select "Diagnostics" or "Troubleshoot" (Troubleshooting).
Recovery menu:
- Go to Troubleshooting โ Return the computer to its original state.
- Select "Delete everything" (similar to the first method).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
If the recovery menu does not open, Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may be damaged. 10/11.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some RedmiBook models use a key to log into the download menu F2 Or Del. If. F12 If it doesn't work, try these options. Also make sure the keyboard is connected (if you use an external one).
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The laptop does not respond to F12 | Fast Boot is offline BIOS | Enter in BIOS (F2/Del), Find the Fast Boot option and disable it |
| Recovery menu not opening | WinRE's environment damaged | Use the Windows installation flash drive |
| The discharge is interrupted by 50-70% | Damaged sectors on the disk | Check the disk for errors through chkdsk /f command-line |
| After reset, there is no sound or Wi-Fi | There are no drivers. | Install drivers from the official Xiaomi website |
What to do if the laptop does not see the installation flash drive?
Method 3: Reset by installation flash drive (for power users)
This method will be required if:
- ๐ Recovery menu unavailable;
- ๐ฝ Hard disk heavily damaged;
- ๐ง You need to reinstall Windows from scratch (for example, when you switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11).
To create an installation flash drive:
- Download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft or Windows image in.iso format.
- Use the Rufus utility to record an image on a flash drive (at least 8 GB).
- In Rufus, select the partition scheme GPT and target system UEFI.
Next:
- Connect the flash drive to the laptop turned off.
- Turn it on and enter the download menu (F12).
- Select a flash drive and follow the installer's instructions.
- At the installation type selection stage, click "Selective: Windows Installation Only".
- Delete all partitions on the system disk (Disk 0) and create new ones.
Important: Selective installation will remove ALL data from the system disk, including hidden partitions recovery, then return the laptop to factory settings through built-in tools will be impossible โ you will need an installation stick.
Through Windows settings
Through the recovery menu (F12)
With the help of a flash drive.
I haven't tried it yet, but I'm planning on.-->
5. Data recovery and post-reset configuration
Once reset, RedmiBook 9 Pro will be in its original form, with a clean Windows and a minimal set of drivers.
- ๐ Update Windows through Settings โ Update and security โ Windows Update;
- ๐จ๏ธ Install drivers from the official Xiaomi website (especially important drivers for touchpad, keyboard and power management);
- ๐ Activate Windows (if the automatic activation through the digital license does not work);
- โ๏ธ Recover files from backup.
For the installation of drivers:
- Go to the support page of Xiaomi.
- Select the RedmiBook 9 Pro.
- Download the driver package for your version of Windows.
- Install them manually, starting with the chipset and power management.
If there are problems after the discharge:
- ๐ No sound โ check the Realtek Audio driver;
- ๐ถ Wi-Fi is not working โ install the driver Intel/Qualcomm Wireless;
- ๐ฑ๏ธ Touchpad is not working โ update the Precision Touchpad driver.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some RedmiBook 9 Pro models may lose the keyboard backlighting function after reset, due to the lack of Xiaomi Quick Key proprietary software. Download it from the official website in the "Utilities" section".
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After reset, be sure to check the settings UEFI/BIOS (F2/Del Sometimes Windows resets some settings too. BIOS, For example, boot order or Secure Boot mode.
6. Frequent errors and their solution
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Resets hang by 1%, 32% or 66% | Damaged system files or disk errors | Run the command line in the recovery menu and execute:chkdsk /f /rsfc /scannow |
| After reset, the laptop asks for an activation key | The key is not tied to the motherboard | Enter the key from the sticker on the bottom of your laptop or use ShowKeyPlus to extract the key from the laptop. BIOS |
| Cannot enter the recovery menu | WinRE environment is disabled or the bootloader is damaged | Create an installation flash drive and restore the bootloader via the command line:bootrec /fixmbrbootrec /fixboot |
| After the dumping, section D disappeared: | When reset, the option "Delete everything" was chosen with the cleaning of all disks. | Use TestDisk or EaseUS Partition Recovery to restore partitions |
If the laptop after reset is slower than before the procedure, check:
- ๐ Power mode - must be set "High productivity";
- ๐งน Background Processes โ Disable Unnecessary Programs in Autoboot;
- ๐ ๏ธ File indexing โ temporarily disable it in Settings โ Search โ Searching for Windows.
Alternative methods: discharge through BIOS and third-party utilities
In rare cases, it may be necessary to dispose of BIOS However, these methods are not recommended for beginners, as they carry the risk of damage to the system.
Dumping through BIOS (Only for experienced users):
- Enter in. BIOS (F2/Del loading).
- Find the option โLoad Default Settingsโ (Download Default Settings).
- Save the changes (F10) and reboot.
It'll reset the settings. BIOS, But it will not delete data from the disk and will not reinstall Windows.
To completely erase data (for example, before selling), you can use utilities:
- ๐งน DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke - completely cleans the disk, but requires the creation of a bootable flash drive;
- ๐ Parted Magic โ Includes tools for secure erasure of data (Secure Erase).
โ ๏ธ Attention: Utilities like DBAN It permanently deletes all data from the disk, including the recovery partitions, and once you use it, you can't restore factory settings through the built-in tools, you'll need a clean Windows installation.