How to Replace GRUB With Windows Boot Manager

When you dual boot Linux with Windows, GRUB is automatically set as the default boot loader. This is how you can replace GRUB with Windows Boot Manager.

When you boot a Linux distribution side-by-side with Windows, the installer sets up a boot loader, generally GRUB, to ensure there are no conflicts between the two operating systems during the boot process.

Although GRUB is a versatile and easy-to-use boot loader, you may want to switch to using the Windows boot manager as the default. Let’s learn how to use Windows Boot Manager instead of GRUB.

An easy way to boot from Windows Boot Manager instead of GRUB is to simply go to your motherboard’s UEFI settings and change the boot priority order.

In general, you can press the during boot F12 or Extinguish button to open the UEFI Control Center. There you should find a specific setting where the boot hierarchy is laid out.

You should find GRUB at the top, followed by Windows Boot Manager. Just swap their positions by dragging or other required means (it differs from one motherboard to another).

When you’re done switching their positions, simply save the changes and exit the UEFI settings window. You should now boot from the Windows bootloader.

2. Add Linux to Windows Boot Manager with EasyBCD

EasyBCD is free software that helps you control your system’s boot process by allowing you to change the bootloader settings. It’s a very powerful and effective tool, so much so that we recommend it as a last resort. You can accidentally break your system’s boot process if you’re unfamiliar with the technical side of things.

Downloads: EasyBCD (commercial edition available)

To replace GRUB with Windows Boot Manager using EasyBCD:

1. Launch the EasyBCD application and click the Add a new entry Possibility.
2. Next, select Linux under the operating system Tab.
3. Choose GRUB2 in which Type field and enter the name of your Linux distribution.
4. Under the journey On the Linux tab, select the Linux partition, i.e. the drive where your Linux system is located. Proceed with caution as selecting the wrong drive will result in unwanted data loss.
5. Click on that Add to (a plus sign) to confirm your settings and add your Linux distribution to Windows Boot Manager.

Restart your PC and you should find your Linux distribution added to Windows Boot Manager. You should now be able to boot into any of your installed operating systems from there.

Now you can boot from Windows Boot Manager instead of GRUB

Following the steps above should help you set up your dual boot system to boot from the Windows boot manager instead of the GRUB boot loader. While dual booting has its benefits, it does come with some risks that can affect performance in the long run.