How to Change Boot Order in Ubuntu

  • Post category:Ubuntu

Changing the boot order in Ubuntu can be crucial for users who dual-boot with other operating systems or simply want to prioritize specific boot entries. Whether you prefer working with the command line or a graphical interface, there are several methods available to accomplish this task. In this guide, we’ll explore how to change the boot order using GRUB configuration, GRUB Customizer, and UEFI settings.

Method 1: Using GRUB Configuration

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the terminal on your Ubuntu system.

Step 2: Edit the GRUB Configuration File

Open the GRUB configuration file using a text editor with administrative privileges:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Step 3: Change Default Boot Entry

  • Look for the line that starts with GRUB_DEFAULT=.
  • Modify its value to set your desired default boot entry. You can specify the menu entry name or its position (starting from 0). For instance, to set the second entry as default:
GRUB_DEFAULT=1

Step 4: Save Changes

Press Ctrl + O to save the file and Ctrl + X to exit the text editor.

Step 5: Update GRUB

To apply your changes, run the following command:

sudo update-grub

Method 2: Using GRUB Customizer

Step 1: Install GRUB Customizer

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can use GRUB Customizer. Install it by running:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:danielrichter2007/grub-customizer
sudo apt update
sudo apt install grub-customizer

Step 2: Open GRUB Customizer

Search for “GRUB Customizer” in your applications menu and launch it.

Step 3: Change Boot Order

  • In the GRUB Customizer window, you’ll see a list of boot entries.
  • Use the arrow buttons to rearrange your preferred entry (such as Windows or another Linux distribution) to the top of the list.

Step 4: Save Changes

Click on the save button (disk icon) to apply your changes.

Method 3: Changing Boot Order in UEFI

To change the boot order at the hardware level, particularly when dual-booting, you can access your computer’s UEFI/BIOS settings:

Step 1: Access UEFI/BIOS

Restart your computer and enter the UEFI/BIOS setup by pressing a specific key during startup (commonly F2, F10, Del, or Esc).

Step 2: Navigate to Boot Options

Look for a tab or section labeled “Boot” or “Boot Order.”

Step 3: Change Boot Order

Use your keyboard to rearrange the order of boot devices, placing your desired operating system at the top.

Step 4: Save and Exit

Ensure to save your changes before exiting the UEFI/BIOS setup.

Conclusion

Changing the boot order in Ubuntu is straightforward and can be accomplished using various methods, including GRUB configuration, GRUB Customizer, or directly through UEFI settings. Choose the method that aligns best with your comfort level and requirements. For more tips and tutorials on Ubuntu and user management, explore our other articles on CodeAllow.