GRUB Archives

Winsage

May 17, 2025

9 Months Later, Microsoft Finally Fixes Linux Dual-Booting Bug

In August 2024, a security update aimed at improving Secure Boot disrupted dual-booting of Windows and Linux due to a vulnerability in the GRUB bootloader. This allowed malicious actors to bypass Secure Boot protections. Microsoft released a patch, KB5058385, on May 13, 2025, to resolve the issue by enhancing the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) system's ability to recognize legitimate Linux bootloaders, preventing them from being blocked. The patch is applicable to various versions of Windows, including Windows 11 (multiple versions) and Windows Server (multiple versions). The update will be automatically applied through Windows Update for affected installations.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

My week with Linux: I’m dumping Windows for Ubuntu to see how it goes

BitLocker encryption is enabled by default on most Windows 11 systems, which can hinder the installation of Ubuntu. To proceed with the installation, BitLocker was temporarily disabled through the Control Panel. A bootable USB drive for Ubuntu was created using Rufus with an SK hynix Tube drive. The Ubuntu 25.04 ISO file, known as "Plucky Puffin," was downloaded at 5.8GB in about a minute. The decision was made to install Ubuntu 25.04 instead of the more stable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS due to a desire for the latest features. The installation was planned for both a ThinkPad X1 Carbon and a custom-built desktop with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC

The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

4 reasons you should embrace virtual machines instead of jumping straight to dual-booting

Operating multiple systems on a single machine, particularly Windows and Linux, can be achieved through dual-booting or using a virtual machine (VM). Dual-booting can lead to complications, such as Windows obstructing access to Linux and overwriting Linux's boot manager. In contrast, VMs allow users to run multiple operating systems concurrently without rebooting, making them more flexible and user-friendly. VMs facilitate the management of separate environments for different tasks and can be easily deleted and recreated if needed. They also provide enhanced security by operating in a sandboxed environment, reducing the risk of damage to the primary system. VMs are portable, encapsulated in a single file for easy transfer between computers, and support snapshots for quick rollbacks.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

5 reasons I stopped dual-booting Windows and Linux on my PC

The author currently uses Windows 11 on most devices due to the lack of Linux alternatives for certain creative applications. They previously engaged in dual-booting Linux and Windows but have shifted away from this practice due to time and data management concerns. Storage issues were a significant challenge, particularly with drive partitioning on laptops. The author finds virtual machines (VMs) and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to be more accessible and practical solutions for their needs. They also mention that Windows 11's Secure Boot complicates dual-boot setups and that Windows updates often overwrite the GRUB bootloader, risking data integrity. Additionally, using BitLocker with GRUB can lead to complications. Ultimately, the author prefers a single operating system per device for a simpler and more efficient experience.

Winsage

September 1, 2024

Rhino Linux 2024.2 horns in on Microsoft Windows 11

Rhino Linux has released version 2024.2, aimed at users considering a switch from Windows 11. Key updates include a new Unicorn theme that enhances the desktop environment, a revamped Setup Wizard with more options, containerization features, a new package manager, and a night shift mode. The package management system, Pacstall, has been updated with new commands and improved search capabilities. Additional enhancements include corrections to the GRUB bootloader display and updated Linux kernels for better hardware support, including for Pine64 and Raspberry Pi. The new version is available for download.

Winsage

August 22, 2024

Microsoft investigates a patch breaking dual-boot PCs

Microsoft is addressing issues from a security patch for a two-year-old vulnerability (CVE-2022-2601) in the GRUB open-source boot loader, which has caused crashes on dual-boot systems running Windows and Linux. The patch was intended to fix a buffer overflow vulnerability that could allow unauthorized access during system startup. Despite Microsoft's advisory stating that the latest Windows builds are not affected when using GRUB2, users reported problems booting their Linux distributions after the update. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and is working with Linux partners to resolve it. Users have shared workarounds, including disabling Secure Boot and deleting the SBAT policy. Separately, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added the ProxyLogon vulnerability (CVE-2021-31196) in Microsoft Exchange Server to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, highlighting ongoing exploitation despite a patch released in July 2021.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Microsoft breaks dual-boot Windows and Linux PCs with security update sent to wrong systems

A recent Microsoft security update has caused booting issues for users of dual-boot systems running both Windows and Linux. The update, intended to fix a vulnerability in GRUB, was mistakenly applied to dual-boot systems, resulting in an error message: "something has gone seriously wrong." Affected Linux distributions include Debian, Linux Mint, Puppy Linux, Ubuntu, and Zorin OS. Users have been advised to temporarily disable secure boot to delete the problematic SBAT included in the update released on August 13, 2024, and then re-enable secure boot to restore functionality.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Microsoft’s latest security update has ruined dual-boot Windows and Linux PCs

Microsoft's recent security update has disrupted dual-boot systems running Windows and Linux by causing booting issues due to a patch for a vulnerability in the GRUB boot loader. Users are experiencing error messages like “security policy violation” and “something has gone seriously wrong” across various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint. The update was meant to enhance Secure Boot security, but it has led to boot failures for many users. A temporary workaround for Ubuntu users involves disabling Secure Boot in BIOS and executing a command to remove Microsoft's SBAT policy. Despite Secure Boot being a key security feature for Windows, it has vulnerabilities that may compromise its effectiveness. The situation highlights the need for better communication from Microsoft regarding the impact of their updates.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Windows update paralyzes Linuxes again

Recent Windows updates rolled out on August 13 have caused booting issues for users of various Linux distributions, particularly affecting Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and its derivatives. The updates introduced security measures that block outdated boot loaders, specifically through the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) feature. This feature aims to address memory limitations in BIOS and recognizes when secure boot is compromised, leading to the failure of Linux boot loaders Shim and Grub. Only boot loaders from trusted sources, mainly Microsoft, can operate under Secure Boot. While the update does not apply to systems that dual boot Windows and Linux, reports indicate that Linux boot sticks may still be affected. Existing Linux installations on hard drives or SSDs will continue to function normally with the latest updates. Affected distributors will need to update their installation media, which may take several days, or users can disable Secure Boot, keeping in mind the need to document the Bitlocker recovery key to avoid issues with encrypted Windows installations.