2 Ways to Replace GRUB with Windows Boot Manager

Why Do You Need to Replace GRUB With Windows Boot Manager

GRUB is often set as the bootloader when you dual-boot a Linux distro with Windows. This can ensure that there’re no conflicts between the two operating systems in the load-up process. Though GRUB is a versatile and easy-to-use bootloader, you may still want to set Windows Boot Manager as the default because of errors like GRUB not showing in dual boot setup or something else.

Here comes the question: how to switch from GRUB to Windows Boot Manager. Well, you don’t have to worry about it. This post would illustrate the whole process for you.

Further reading:

Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR) is a small piece of software that is loaded from the volume boot code. It enables you to boot operating systems including Windows Vista/7/8/10. However, it can prompt you with various errors.

For instance, you will receive errors like BOOTMGR is missing, Boot Manager failed to find OS loader, BOOTMGR is compressed, etc. If you are bothered by issues like that, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard to fix them.

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This free partition manager enables you to rebuild MBR, set the partition as active, check the hard drive for errors, copy disks, and perform other operations that are related to partitions or disks.

How to Replace GRUB With Windows Boot Manager

There are 2 methods to switch from GRUB to Windows Boot Manager for you.

Method 1: Change the Boot Priority Order

A simple way to switch from GRUB to Windows Boot Manager is to change the boot priority order in the UEFI settings of the motherboard. The following steps will show you how to do that in detail.

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows and I keys.

Step 2: Then click Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now (under the Advanced startup section).

Step 3: Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and tap Restart.

Step 4: After the computer restarts, it will enter the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.

Step 5: Navigate to the Boot section and set Windows Boot Manager as the first boot. To do that, click on Windows Boot Manager and keep pressing the “+” key until the option is placed at the first order.

Step 6: Then press F10 and Enter keys to confirm the change and exit the utility.

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Method 2: Use EasyBCD to Add Linux to Windows Boot Manager

You can also replace GRUB with Windows Boot Manager via EasyBCD. It is a tool that is capable of controlling your system’s boot process. To be specific, you are able to modify bootloader settings through EasyBCD.

Step 1: Download and install EasyBCD on your computer.

Step 2: Run EasyBCD to enter its main interface and click the Add New Entry option.

Step 3: Click the Linux option under the Operating System tab.

Step 4: Choose GRUB2 in the Type field and type in the name of your Linux distro.

Step 5: Under the Drive tab, select the Linux partition where your Linux system resides. You need to take care because choosing the wrong drive will cause data loss.

Step 6: Tap on the Add (“+” icon) button to confirm your settings and add the Linux distro to the Windows Boot Manager.

Step 7: Restart your computer.

How to replace GRUB with Windows Boot Manager? This post has collected 2 available methods for you. Simply choose one from them to switch from GRUB to Windows Boot Manager.