How to Replace GRUB With Windows Boot Manager

April 2024 · 3 minute read

When you dual-boot a Linux distro alongside Windows, the installer sets up a bootloader, generally GRUB, to ensure there are no conflicts between the two operating systems during the boot-up processes.

While GRUB is a versatile and easy-to-use bootloader, you might want to switch to using the Windows Boot Manager as your default. Let’s learn how you can use Windows Boot Manager instead of GRUB.

1. Change the Boot Priority Order in UEFI Menu

An easy way to boot from Windows Boot Manager instead of GRUB is to simply head over to the UEFI settings of your motherboard and switch up the boot priority order.

Generally, during boot, you can press the F12 or Delete key to open up the UEFI control center. There you should find a specific setting where the boot hierarchy is laid out.

You should find GRUB on top, followed by Windows Boot Manager. Simply exchange their positions by dragging or any means necessary (it differs from one motherboard to another).

Once you’re done with switching their positions, simply save the changes and exit out of the UEFI settings panel. You should now be booting from Windows Boot Loader.

2. Add Linux to Windows Boot Manager Using EasyBCD

EasyBCD is a free software that helps you take control of your system’s boot process by allowing you to modify bootloader settings. It is a very potent and effective tool, so much so that we recommend using it as a last resort. You can accidentally end up corrupting your system’s boot process if you aren’t familiar with the technical side of things.

Download:EasyBCD (commercial edition available)

Here’s how to replace GRUB with Windows Boot Manager using EasyBCD:

  • Fire up the EasyBCD application and click on the Add New Entry option.
  • Next, select Linux from under the Operating System tab.
  • Select GRUB2 in the Type field and type in the name of your Linux distro.
  • Under the Drive tab, select the Linux partition i.e. the drive where your Linux system resides. Proceed with caution because selecting the wrong drive will lead to unsolicited data loss.
  • Click on the Add (a plus sign) button to confirm your settings and add your Linux distro to the Windows Boot Manager.

    • Restart your PC, and you should find your Linux distro added to Windows Boot Manager. Now you should be able to boot into either of your installed OSes from there.

    Now You Can Boot From Windows Boot Manager Instead of GRUB

    Following the aforementioned steps should help you set up your dual-boot system to boot from Windows Boot Manager instead of the GRUB bootloader. While dual-booting has its advantages, it does bear some risks that can affect performance in the long run.

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