If you have installed Ubuntu alongside Windows 11, your system shows the GRUB boot menu at startup. By default, Ubuntu is usually selected first.
If you want Windows 11 to boot automatically instead of Ubuntu, this step-by-step guide will help you safely change the default boot option.
📌 Why Change Default Boot?
You may want to:
Use Windows daily
Avoid selecting Windows manually every time
Reduce boot waiting time
Fix wrong default selection in GRUB
🖥️ What is GRUB?
GRUB (Grand Unified Bootloader) is the boot manager used by Ubuntu.
It allows you to choose between:
Ubuntu
Windows Boot Manager
🔍 Method 1: Change Default Boot from Ubuntu (Recommended)
Step 1: Boot into Ubuntu
Restart your PC and select Ubuntu from GRUB.
Step 2: Open Terminal
Press Ctrl + Alt + T
Step 3: Check GRUB Menu Order
Type:
grep menuentry /boot/grub/grub.cfg
Find the exact name of:
Windows Boot Manager (on /dev/sdaX)
Step 4: Edit GRUB Configuration
Type:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
Find this line:
GRUB_DEFAULT=0
Replace 0 with the number of Windows entry (for example 2 or 3).
OR use:
GRUB_DEFAULT="Windows Boot Manager (on /dev/sdaX)"
Step 5: Update GRUB
Run:
sudo update-grub
Restart your PC.
Windows 11 will now boot automatically.
⏱️ Optional: Reduce GRUB Timeout
If you want faster boot:
Edit same file:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
Change:
GRUB_TIMEOUT=10
Set it to:
GRUB_TIMEOUT=3
Then run:
sudo update-grub
Now GRUB will wait only 3 seconds.
🔁 Method 2: Use Boot Repair (If GRUB Not Working)
If boot menu is broken:
Boot using Ubuntu Live USB
Install Boot Repair tool
Click Recommended Repair
Restart system
This will fix GRUB menu issues.
📝 Final Words
Changing Windows as default boot in dual boot system is simple and safe if done correctly. Editing GRUB settings allows you to control which operating system starts automatically.
Always double-check the correct Windows entry before editing.
For more dual boot and Linux guides, visit EasySolveGuide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Will this delete Ubuntu?
No, it only changes default boot option.
Q2. Can I remove GRUB completely?
Yes, but you must repair Windows bootloader first.
Q3. Is it safe to edit GRUB file?
Yes, if you carefully follow the steps.
