Can’t access Grub Boot Loader (Ubuntu) after Windows 10 Update

1 minute read

Introduction

Windows has a reputation in the linux community for being a nosy OS that doesn’t really listen too well to an advanced user. One of these features is its Windows Update.

Problem

Every once in a while when you use Windows, it throws you this message to install the really “Important updates”, or the world shall end as we know it.

I was greeted by this, to be particular, the Windows 10 October 2018 update. And I thought okay, no harm, so I click “Restart now”.

Behold! Arrives the blue screen of death.

And after the update I notice my grub boot loader is gone with Windows Boot Manager taking control of the system.

Solution

Let’s admit it, Windows has never really been built with a dual-boot system compatibility in mind. As a result, the update seems to have erased the grub boot loader entry from the boot sequence.

Here’s how to get it back:

From your Windows 10, get to the BIOS startup menu by holding down the Shift key while you press Restart from the power options.
You’ll eventually bump into this screen where you can choose Advanced Options.
In the next screen, select UEFI Firmware Settings
In the next window, select Boot Sequence as shown.
In Boot List Option, select the radio button for UEFI, and click Add Boot Option. Now you can browser for your grubx64.efi file usually located in efi/ubuntu/ directory. Name the boot menu entry, say ubuntu.
Use the arrows in Boot Sequence to move your new boot entry to the top of the sequence.
Click on Apply at the bottom right of the screen, and click Exit.
Voilà! Your dear grub boot loader should be back.