Resetting Xiaomi RedmiBook 9 to factory settings can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical system failures. However, the procedure has nuances that depend on the state of the laptop, the version of the BIOS and the installed OS. Unlike Xiaomi smartphones, where the reset is performed through Mi Recovery, on laptops the algorithm is more complex โ here the standard Windows tools and proprietary solutions from the manufacturer intersect.
This article covers all the current reset methods, including recovery through the hidden Mi Recovery section (only for models with Windows 10/11) preinstalled, BIOS commands and classic reset through system settings. We also break down common errors (such as hanging on the Redmi logo or requiring a BIOS password) that users often overlook. If you plan to sell a laptop or just want to return it to its original freshness, here you will find proven solutions tailored to the specifics of RedmiBook 9.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure
Before starting a reset, it is critical to complete several preparatory steps, and ignoring this step can lead to data loss or inability to restore the system.
First, back up all important files. Even if you plan to reset through Mi Recovery, which theoretically stores user data in a separate partition, the risk of losing information remains. Use an external drive or cloud storage (for example, Mi Cloud, if you have synchronized Xiaomi accounts).
- ๐ Documents from folders Desktop, Downloads and My Documents
- ๐ Passwords from browsers (export them through the chrome://settings/passwords)
- ๐ฎ Game saves (usually stored in %AppData% or C:\Users\Name of user\Saved Games)
- ๐ง Email clients (e.g.,.pst files for Outlook)
Second, check your battery power. If your laptop turns off during a reset, it can damage your system files. Connect RedmiBook 9 to the network and make sure it has a charge level of at least 50%. It's also worth turning off all peripherals (mouse, keyboard, external drives) except those required for the procedure.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use BitLocker or other disk encryption, be sure to disable it before resetting.Otherwise, after recovery, the system may require a recovery key that you may not have saved.
Finally, prepare a Windows installation media (a flash drive or DVD) if the reset goes wrong and requires a clean OS installation. RedmiBook 9 will fit the official image from Microsoft's website (the version must match the license preinstalled on the laptop) and download it through the Media Creation Tool.
Method 1: Reset via Windows settings (the safest method)
If your RedmiBook 9 is loading properly and you have access to the system, this is the best option, it allows you to save personal files (optional) and does not require additional tools.
Instructions:
- Open Windows settings (win + I key combination).
- Go to the Update and Security section โ Recovery.
- In the Return computer to its original state block, press Start.
- Choose one of the options: ๐ฑ Save my files โ only programs and settings are deleted, personal data remains. ๐งน Remove Everything โ Complete Disk Formatting Reset (recommended for laptop sales).
Follow the wizard's instructions. The laptop will reboot several times in the process.
Runtime depends on the amount of data and drive performance. On RedmiBook 9 with an SSD, the procedure usually takes 20-40 minutes. If the system offers a choice of account to restore, choose the one that has administrator rights.
โ ๏ธ Note: After reset, the laptop can automatically update drivers through Windows Update. However, for the correct operation of the touchpad, backlight keyboard and functional keys (Fn), it is better to manually install drivers from the official Xiaomi website.
โ๏ธ Checklist before resetting via Windows
Method 2: Reset via Mi Recovery (Hidden Recovery)
Xiaomi RedmiBook 9 comes with a hidden Mi Recovery partition preinstalled, which lets you return the system to factory state without an installation media.This method is useful if Windows isn't booting or corrupted, but the BIOS works correctly.
To launch Mi Recovery:
- Turn off the laptop.
- Press and hold the F12 key (some versions of the BIOS may require F9 or Del).
- Turn on your laptop without letting go of the F12 until the download menu appears.
- In the list of devices, select Mi Recovery (may appear as Recovery Partition).
- Follow the instructions on the screen. The interface will be in Chinese, but intuitive: ๐ The first option is to restore the system with data storage. ๐๏ธ The second option is a complete reset with the removal of all files.
The process will take 15-30 minutes. Upon completion, the laptop will automatically restart to the original Windows setting. If the Mi Recovery menu does not appear, this may mean that the recovery partition is damaged or deleted (for example, when you re-partition the disk).
What if Mi Recovery doesnโt start?
Method 3: Reset via BIOS (for power users)
If neither Windows nor Mi Recovery is available, you can reset it through your BIOS settings, which is a riskier method, because doing the wrong thing can make it impossible to boot your laptop. Use it only as a last resort.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the laptop.
- Press and hold Del (or F2, depending on the BIOS version), then turn on the power.
- In the BIOS menu, go to the Boot or Security section (navigation is done with arrow keys).
- Find the Secure Boot option and turn it off (installe it in Disabled).
- Save the changes (F10) and reboot.
- Log in to the BIOS again and find the Exit โ Load Default Settings section (or similar). Confirm the default settings download.
- Save and restart. The laptop should offer boot options, including recovery.
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After the reset, be sure to check for Windows updates through Settings โ Update & Security. Some drivers (such as for a graphics card) can be installed automatically through Update.