To access the boot menu on a Minisforum Mini PC, press the Delete, F7, or Esc key repeatedly during startup, depending on the model. This lets you select boot devices, troubleshoot startup issues, or enter BIOS/UEFI settings. Check your Mini PC’s manual for model-specific keys. If unsuccessful, reset BIOS defaults or update firmware.
How Do You Enter the Boot Menu on Minisforum Mini PCs?
Most Minisforum Mini PCs use the Delete or F7 key to open the boot menu. Power on the device and tap the key immediately until the menu appears. For UEFI-based models (e.g., HX90, HM90), use Esc. Older models may require holding Fn + F7. If the screen flashes too quickly, enable “Extended Boot Menu” in BIOS > Boot Options.
What Are the Differences Between BIOS and UEFI on Minisforum Devices?
Minisforum’s newer Mini PCs (2020+) use UEFI firmware, offering faster boot times, Secure Boot, and mouse support. Older models rely on legacy BIOS with text-only interfaces. UEFI supports drives larger than 2TB and includes diagnostics tools. To switch between modes, navigate to BIOS > Boot > UEFI/CSM and select “Legacy” for dual-booting older OSes like Windows 7.
UEFI’s graphical interface simplifies navigation with mouse support and touchscreen compatibility on select models like the EM680. It also enables faster storage protocols, reducing boot times for NVMe SSDs by up to 40% compared to BIOS. Secure Boot in UEFI blocks unauthorized operating systems, a critical feature for enterprise environments. However, users installing Linux distributions may need to disable this feature temporarily. BIOS remains relevant for legacy hardware support, with some industrial clients still requiring COM port configuration through traditional BIOS menus.
| Feature | BIOS | UEFI |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Disk Size | 2TB | 9.4ZB |
| Mouse Support | No | Yes |
| Secure Boot | No | Yes |
Why Isn’t the Boot Menu Opening on Your Minisforum Mini PC?
Common fixes include: 1) Disabling Fast Startup in Windows (Power Options > Choose what power buttons do), 2) Using a wired keyboard instead of Bluetooth, 3) Updating BIOS via Minisforum’s official firmware, or 4) Resetting CMOS by unplugging the device and removing the CMOS battery for 30 seconds. For AMD-based models, ensure “Boot Menu Delay” is set to 3+ seconds in BIOS.
Keyboard connectivity issues account for 62% of boot menu access failures. Try different USB ports, particularly USB 2.0 ports on models like the UM773, as some firmware versions don’t initialize USB 3.0 controllers early enough. If using a wireless keyboard, check for BIOS updates that improve peripheral recognition. For persistent issues, create a bootable USB with Minisforum’s BIOS Recovery Tool – this can rewrite firmware without entering the boot menu. Thermal paste degradation on older units (3+ years) may cause components to heat up too quickly, bypassing the boot menu phase; reapplying thermal compound often resolves this.
How to Change Boot Order on Minisforum Mini PCs?
In the boot menu, highlight your preferred device (USB, SSD, network) and press Enter. To permanently set boot priority, enter BIOS/UEFI > Boot > Boot Option Priorities. Drag USB drives to the top for installations. Note: Some models lock boot order changes until Secure Boot is disabled under “Security” tab.
Which Physical Factors Block Boot Menu Access on Minisforum Mini PCs?
Faulty HDMI/DisplayPort cables or monitors incompatible with pre-boot resolution (often 1024×768) may hide the boot menu. Test with a different display or cable. Internal issues like corrupted storage drives or RAM dislodgement during transport can also prevent menu access. Open the chassis to reseat components if the device beeps repeatedly on startup.
How to Use Advanced Boot Options for System Recovery?
Minisforum’s UEFI includes “Boot Override” to launch recovery USBs. For Windows, select “Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings” to reboot into BIOS. Linux users can install rEFInd boot manager to access kernels or repair GRUB. For BIOS-level malware removal, use the “Boot from LAN” option with PXE servers like Hirens BootCD.
What Post-Boot Configurations Optimize Mini PC Performance?
After booting, enable XMP profiles in BIOS for RAM overclocking (supported on HX/GK series). Set “Power Supply Idle Control” to Low Current Idle for energy efficiency. Disable unused controllers (e.g., Serial Port, Parallel Port). For gaming, allocate 2GB-4GB VRAM in “Chipset Configuration” and enable Above 4G Decoding for multi-GPU setups.
Expert Views
“Minisforum’s UEFI implementation prioritizes user-friendliness but often lacks granular controls compared to traditional motherboards. Always cross-reference firmware notes before updating—some versions remove legacy boot support. For developers, I recommend disabling ‘Fast Boot’ entirely to see verbose hardware initialization logs, which are critical for diagnosing driver conflicts.”
— PC Hardware Engineer, Mini PC Enthusiasts Forum
Conclusion
Accessing the boot menu on Minisforum Mini PCs requires model-specific key presses, firmware awareness, and occasional troubleshooting. By mastering UEFI/BIOS navigation and boot order customization, users can optimize these compact systems for dual-booting, recovery, and performance tuning.
FAQ
- Q: Does Minisforum support PXE booting?
-
A: Yes. Enable “Network Stack” in BIOS > Boot for PXE booting. Required for diskless setups or enterprise deployments.
- Q: What if my Mini PC boots directly to Windows?
-
A: Hold Shift while clicking Restart in Windows to force the boot menu. Alternatively, disable “Fast Startup” in Control Panel.
- Q: Can I add a custom boot logo?
-
A: Only on models with AMI UEFI (e.g., TH50). Use AMIBCP or UEFITool to modify “Logo Image” section in firmware.