How to Resolve Ubuntu Dual Boot Problem with Windows 8.1

When you dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows 8.1 but find that your PC boots directly into Ubuntu without offering a choice to start Windows, the issue might be related to GRUB, the GNU GRandUnified Bootloader.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Issue

Here’s a detailed guide to help you resolve the issue and regain control over your boot options:

1. Update GRUB

If your system boots directly into Ubuntu, you can try updating GRUB to resolve the issue:

Boot into Ubuntu.

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl Alt T.

To update GRUB, run the following command:

sudo update-grub

This command searches for installed operating systems and updates the GRUB configuration file.

Reboot your computer and check if the GRUB menu appears, allowing you to select Windows.

2. Check GRUB Configuration

If updating GRUB did not resolve the issue, you may need to manually adjust the GRUB configuration file:

Again, open a terminal in Ubuntu.

Edit the GRUB configuration file using nano:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Find the line:

GRUB_TIMEOUT0

Change it to a positive number, for example, 10 seconds, by setting GRUB_TIMEOUT10.

Save the file by pressing Ctrl X, then Y, and Enter.

Run the update command again to apply the changes:

sudo update-grub

Reboot your computer to see if the GRUB menu appears.

3. Use the Boot Repair Tool

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can use the Boot Repair tool to help fix the grub configuration:

Install Boot Repair:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y boot-repair

Run Boot Repair:

boot-repair

Follow the on-screen instructions and choose to reboot after the process completes.

4. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

As a last step, ensure your BIOS/UEFI settings are properly configured:

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc, or another key during startup).

Check the boot order to ensure that the drive with the GRUB bootloader is set to boot first.

Save changes and exit.

Summary

After following these steps, your PC should present the GRUB menu at startup, allowing you to select between Ubuntu and Windows 8.1. If you still experience issues, consider checking forums or communities specific to your hardware or distribution for additional assistance.