FAQ
TL;DR: Stuck in Shell on a KIANO Slimnote 14.2? After 2 hours unplugged, the fix was: "A keyboard connected to USB has helped!" Use a USB keyboard to reach BIOS and adjust boot. [Elektroda, seeby, post #17424975]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps KIANO Slimnote owners quickly regain BIOS access, exit Shell, and restore Windows without guesswork.
Quick Facts
- BIOS entry keys on Slimnote 14.2: ESC, DEL, or ESC+DEL (confirmed by owner). [Elektroda, seeby, post #17426823]
- If Shell appears and keys fail, attach a USB keyboard; it enabled BIOS access. [Elektroda, seeby, post #17424975]
- Windows 10 license is embedded in firmware; after reformat, download Windows 10 from Microsoft. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424991]
- USB boot may require changing several interdependent options in two BIOS menus. [Elektroda, Borygo123, post #17426798]
- User reports indicate these models are intended to run Windows 10 only. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424494]
How do I exit Shell and open BIOS on a KIANO Slimnote 14.2?
Use an external keyboard and the right keys. Connect a USB keyboard to the USB 2.0 port. During power-on, press ESC+DELETE repeatedly. If that fails, try ESC or F2.
How-To:
- Plug a USB keyboard into the USB 2.0 port.
- Power on.
- Tap ESC+DELETE; if no response, try ESC or F2. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424925]
My Slimnote always boots to Shell, and the built‑in keyboard does nothing. What worked?
A direct fix reported: unplugging the battery for 2 hours did not reset anything. Attaching a USB keyboard finally allowed BIOS entry and ended the Shell-boot loop. Use that keyboard to send firmware keys during startup. This simple change restored control. [Elektroda, seeby, post #17424975]
Can I reset the BIOS/UEFI by disconnecting batteries on the Slimnote 14.2?
The board shows no separate CMOS battery. Disconnecting the main battery for 15–20 minutes did not reset firmware. That approach failed to restore BIOS defaults on the unit tested. Use firmware keys or a USB keyboard instead. [Elektroda, seeby, post #17424542]
Which keys enter BIOS on the Slimnote 14.2?
Press ESC or DEL during startup. If timing is tricky, press ESC+DEL together. The owner confirmed these combinations on Slimnote 14.2. Use a USB keyboard if the built-in keyboard is ignored. [Elektroda, seeby, post #17426823]
What BIOS key worked on the Slimnote 14.1?
On Slimnote 14.1, one user reached BIOS using F4 after trial and error. Models in this family can map BIOS entry to different F keys. If F4 fails, test nearby F keys. [Elektroda, Borygo123, post #17426798]
How do I change boot to USB on these KIANO laptops?
Expect to change several interdependent settings across two BIOS menus. The boot option is not a single toggle. Walk through boot-related items and confirm the desired device order. Save changes before exiting. “You have to go with their settings and interdependencies.” [Elektroda, Borygo123, post #17426798]
Can I install Windows 7 32‑bit on the Slimnote 14.2?
It’s not advised. As one expert put it, “KIANO is only working with Win 10.” Driver support and firmware defaults align with Windows 10. Windows 7 attempts tend to stall or lack drivers. Stick with Windows 10 for stability. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424494]
How do I reinstall and activate Windows 10 after formatting?
Reinstall Windows 10 from Microsoft’s website. The product key is stored in the device’s firmware, so activation follows automatically. If you wiped the drive, just install clean and go online. The system should self-activate without a manual key. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424991]
Can I upgrade RAM or storage on the Slimnote 14.2?
RAM appears soldered, with no upgrade path. The reported unit had 2GB RAM, and the owner noted “nothing can be moved.” Treat memory as fixed. If you need more capacity, use external storage or SD where available. [Elektroda, seeby, post #17424437]
Does F9 help during startup on KIANO Slimnote 14.x?
A helper suggested pressing F9 during the logo on boot. It may open a boot menu on some variants. This specific tip was not confirmed in the thread’s outcome. Try it if other keys fail. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424610]
Which USB port should I use for a keyboard during BIOS entry?
Use the USB 2.0 port for the keyboard. Then press ESC+DELETE, or try ESC or F2 if needed. This combination was recommended to regain BIOS access when the built-in keyboard was ignored. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17424925]
