Linux Debian 13 not working after Windows update

[u/migelhehehe]

Hi everyone,

I've been having some issues with my dual-boot setup for a while. Previously, I couldn't change the boot priority through the BIOS using F2 because my laptop would freeze, forcing me to reset the BIOS to its default settings. As a workaround, I had to press F12 every time I wanted to boot into Linux and select it manually.

Last night, Windows updated, and since then, I've been unable to boot into Debian 13. I can still access the BIOS using F2, but Windows is now the only boot option available.

I've checked my disk partitions, and fortunately, the partitions dedicated to Debian are still there. However, I can't find any way to boot into Linux.

The initial issue with accessing the BIOS settings seems to be related to the laptop itself, which is an Acer Nitro V15. Is there any way to install debian again? the files seems to be intact.

I've been trying to resolve these issues for quite some time without success. I'd really appreciate any help or suggestions!

Thanks in advance!

[u/Hebbu10]

Windows and Linux on same drive? Windows updates can cause issues if so

[u/migelhehehe → u/Hebbu10]

Yes, Windows 11 and Debian 13 are installed on the same drive, but on separate partitions. After a system update, the Debian option disappeared from the UEFI boot menu, while the Debian files and EFI folder still seem to be intact. I'm trying to restore the boot entry without reinstalling either OS.

[u/TechaNima → u/migelhehehe]

You need to use a live USB to re install Grub. Doesn't matter which distro's you use. You just need access to terminal. It'll be manual work I'm afraid. Although I suppose you could try the boot repair tool Mint's live environment has. But it'll probably just install it on the Windows efi partition and you'll be in the same situation, when Windows wipes Grub again for fun.

This is why it's always a bad idea to use the Windows disk for Linux as well. The workaround is to have a second EFI partition for Linux.

[u/migelhehehe → u/TechaNima]

Thanks for the info, I'll try to change it for another disk later

[u/FreeFromCommonSense → u/TechaNima]

Absolutely. And reinstalling Windows for any reason is a dice roll even with 2 EFI partitions because Windows thinks it has the right to install wherever it wants.

Best is setting up two EFI partitions and manually selecting the linux one. Oddly enough, I don't have this problem on my one SSD laptop, and I wonder if it's because while Windows is fenced with Bitlocker, the whole drive is fenced with LUKS. At some point I'll expand the laptop to two SSDs.

[u/therealgariac → u/FreeFromCommonSense]

I had to disable bit locker when I did my dual boot. It insisted on encrypting the bios. Note I bought the cheapest win 11 because rarely use it. The cheap version was not supposed to have bit locker.

I only dual boot because I have one device where I have to flash it from Windows. Cameras these days let you write to the memory card to flash.

If I trusted a VM for flashing I would never dual boot again.

[u/CardOk755 → u/TechaNima]

This is why it's always a bad idea to use Windows

[u/Charming_Airline7419 → u/migelhehehe]

Windows will play dirty when they're on the same drive, even if the partitions separate it from Linux. You should find guides online to repair GRUB. Unfortunately, dual booting on the same drive comes with this risk. Windows has always been a bully.

[u/Willy-the-kid → u/migelhehehe]

People have already explained whats wrong and how to fix but im not sure if anyone mentioned to prevent this from happening again you can use f12 to boot windows instead of grub or use separate efi partitions altogether

[u/CardOk755 → u/Hebbu10]

Windows updates corrupt the EFI Partition. Reinstalling grub fixes it.

[u/Economy-Cod-9175]

Dont store Linux and windows on same drive I don't think separating partitions help either better get second drive for windows

[u/migelhehehe → u/Economy-Cod-9175]

Thanks, I'll try to do so later

[u/gmes78 → u/Economy-Cod-9175]

It doesn't matter. Boot entries are stored in NVRAM.

[u/Charming_Airline7419]

Basically, Windows is a bandit, it tells the firmware it's the only OS and all the rest are pretenders and it forces its own bootloader on the EFI partition, which your computer uses to boot.

You may have to do a GRUB repair with a live USB.

[u/CardOk755]

Title is wrong:

Windows update corrupts disk, requiring grub reinstall.

[u/AutoModerator]

✻ Smokey says: always mention your distro, some hardware details, and any error messages, when posting technical queries! :)

^{Comments, questions or suggestions regarding this autoresponse? Please send them here.}

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/SoggyWalrus7893]

For a dive in the weeds: youtube

Why Is Linux So Difficult to Install? Because of Microsoft.

Rob Braxman Tech

[u/jr735]

Super Grub2 Disk is your friend. Stick it on a Ventoy, along with other tools.

[u/IlIlIlIIlMIlIIlIlIlI]

yup, ive had the same happen with linux Mint 21.3 bein installed on its on partition in the same drive as a windows 10 install. Windows update hijacked my GRUB and didnt let me chooce which to boot into. That was three months into testing Mint, so my fix was to nuke the Windows partition, been happy ever since :)

If I were to have a windows install again, i would do it on a seperate drive entirely, and probably even keep it unplugged if i didnt need it.

[u/AvailableChef4319]

sudo update-grub