In a dual-boot system, it’s common for users to experience issues with Windows 10 changing the UEFI boot order. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re frequently switching between operating systems. This article will guide you through several methods to prevent Windows 10 from altering your UEFI boot order.
To stop Windows 10 from changing the UEFI boot order in dual-boot systems, you can use EasyUEFI to set the default boot option to your desired operating system. Alternatively, setting a password in the UEFI/BIOS or renaming the bootloader can also prevent Windows from making changes. If you have an HP computer, check for a "Customized" boot option in the UEFI/BIOS settings to prioritize GRUB.
Understanding UEFI Boot Order
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. It’s a replacement for the older BIOS firmware interface and the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) 1.10 specification.
In a dual-boot system, the UEFI boot order determines which operating system loads first when the computer starts. Windows 10 has a tendency to set itself as the default boot option, which can be problematic if you’re trying to boot into another operating system like Linux.
Method 1: Use EasyUEFI
EasyUEFI is a free software tool that allows you to manage the EFI/UEFI boot options and the EFI System Partitions. It can be used to create, delete, edit, clean up, backup and restore EFI/UEFI boot options.
- Install and open EasyUEFI.
- Select “Manage EFI Boot Option”.
- Locate the Windows Boot Manager entry.
- Change the file path for the Windows Boot Manager to
"\EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi".
This command sets the path for the boot manager to the GRUB bootloader, making GRUB the default boot option.
Method 2: Set a Password in UEFI/BIOS
Setting a password in the UEFI/BIOS can prevent Windows from making changes to the boot order. Here’s how to do it:
- Restart your computer and enter the UEFI/BIOS settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (like F2, F10, or Del) during startup.
- Navigate to the security settings and set a password.
- Save and exit.
Method 3: Rename the Bootloader
Renaming the bootloader to match the Windows version can trick the system into maintaining the boot order. However, this method might make manual booting more confusing.
To rename the bootloader:
- Locate the bootloader file. This is usually in the
\EFIdirectory. - Rename it to match the Windows version. For example, if you’re using Windows 10, you might rename it to
Windows10.efi.
Method 4: Check for Customized Boot Options
Some HP computers have a “Customized” boot option in the UEFI/BIOS settings. This option can be set to prioritize GRUB, effectively maintaining the boot order.
To check for this option:
- Enter the UEFI/BIOS settings.
- Navigate through the settings to see if there’s a “Customized” boot option.
- If you find it, set it to prioritize GRUB.
Conclusion
Preventing Windows 10 from changing the UEFI boot order in a dual-boot system can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely doable. The methods outlined in this article should help you maintain your preferred boot order. If you’re still having trouble, consider seeking further assistance or consulting the HP support forums for your specific model.
UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It is a specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. It replaces the older BIOS firmware interface.
Windows 10 has a tendency to set itself as the default boot option, which can be problematic when trying to boot into another operating system like Linux.
To use EasyUEFI, you need to install and open the software. Then, select "Manage EFI Boot Option" and locate the Windows Boot Manager entry. Change the file path for the Windows Boot Manager to "\EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi". This sets the path to the GRUB bootloader, making it the default boot option.
Yes, setting a password in the UEFI/BIOS can prevent unauthorized changes, including changes to the boot order. It adds an extra layer of security to ensure the boot order remains unchanged.
Renaming the bootloader to match the Windows version can trick the system into maintaining the boot order. However, it might make manual booting more confusing, as the bootloader’s name will no longer match the operating system it corresponds to.
To check for a "Customized" boot option, enter the UEFI/BIOS settings and navigate through the settings to see if such an option exists. Not all computers have this option, and it may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
