Ubuntu Linux PC Won’t Boot? 5 Common Issues and Fixes

You’ve switched in your laptop, making ready to do some work, edit a doc, combine a composition, or simply play a recreation… however one thing goes unsuitable.

Ubuntu will not boot.

Sadly, as dependable as Linux is generally, and as fashionable as Ubuntu is, generally it runs into issues, similar to Home windows 10 or macOS. Typically, you can work round this.

Whether or not you are utilizing Ubuntu desktop or Ubuntu Server, right here’s what to do if Ubuntu doesn’t boot.

Ubuntu Not Booting? Attempt These 5 Suggestions

Ubuntu usually works out of the field. Booting points could be noticed both by a really gradual boot, or by Ubuntu not beginning in any respect.

If Ubuntu shouldn’t be booting, work by way of these 5 steps:

  1. Verify for bootable units
  2. Is the GRUB bootloader working?
  3. Restore the bootloader menu
  4. Reinstall Ubuntu
  5. Exchange defective {hardware}

Whereas these steps are designed for Ubuntu customers, they are often utilized to different Linux working methods. Be aware, nonetheless, that if you happen to’re utilizing disk encryption, a few of these fixes won’t work.

In case your Ubuntu system is not booting, it is time to work by way of these 5 steps. These can be utilized at any time, whether or not you’ve been working Ubuntu for some time, or if Ubuntu shouldn’t be booting proper after you put in it.

1. Is an Connected System Inflicting Ubuntu Boot Issues?

If Ubuntu will not boot, it could possibly be as a result of there’s a bootable disk connected

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You are not alone. This is likely one of the most typical issues with Ubuntu not booting, often occurring proper after set up. It is because the Ubuntu boot disk (USB gadget or a DVD) is about because the boot gadget. It is such an issue that the installer instructs you to eject your set up media earlier than the primary boot.

To test the present boot gadget, boot into the system UEFI/BIOS, or boot order menu. Each could be accessed from the POST display screen, which seems when your PC powers up. For those who run into hassle discovering the boot order menu, test the pc’s (or motherboard’s) documentation.

Associated: Easy methods to Change the Boot Order on Your PC

2. Ubuntu Does not Boot As a result of the GRUB Bootloader Is Not Working

GRUB is the bootloader that ensures the chosen working system boots. On a twin booting machine, it’s going to listing, and boot all put in working methods, together with Home windows.

Nevertheless, putting in Home windows alongside Ubuntu can result in the bootloader being overwritten, resulting in issues booting Ubuntu.

Learn extra: What Is a Bootloader?

Different points can corrupt the bootloader, corresponding to a failed improve, or energy failure. Regardless of the scenario, you may see an error corresponding to “grub failed boot detection.”

To test the GRUB bootloader, restart your PC, whereas holding Shift. You need to now see an inventory of the put in working methods; navigate the menu utilizing the arrow keys.


Boot Ubuntu from GRUB

If not, then the issue is that the GRUB bootloader is damaged or overwritten. Repairing the bootloader is the one resolution. (For those who’re twin booting, you may nonetheless be capable to entry Home windows).

Be aware: For those who see the GRUB Bootloader, skip right down to the subsequent part.

Restore the GRUB Bootloader to Boot Ubuntu

If GRUB shouldn’t be loading, then Ubuntu will not boot. Happily, you possibly can restore GRUB utilizing the Ubuntu set up media. Restart the pc with the disc inserted and await it to load up.

Once more, chances are you’ll want to vary the boot order, as described above. Make a remark of the boot order earlier than you modify it!

With the set up media booted into the Reside surroundings, verify you will have a community connection after which open a Terminal. Enter:

sudo grub-install /dev/sda

You too can replace grub with

sudo update-grub

You need to now be capable to restart your PC and boot into Ubuntu. Alternatively, it will likely be listed as an possibility within the GRUB bootloader menu.

For those who can see the bootloader, then you do not have to do any of the above. There’s a built-in restoration device to assist when Ubuntu does not boot.

Within the bootloader menu:

  1. Choose Superior choices for Ubuntu
  2. Use the arrow keys to pick the entry appended with (restoration mode)
    Ubuntu recovery mode
  3. Faucet Enter to proceed

Wait as Ubuntu is booted right into a slimmed down model of the working system. For those who’ve ever booted Home windows Protected Mode, you may discover that is comparable.

A number of restore choices can clear up conditions when Ubuntu will not boot. The three you must attempt, so as, are:

  1. fsckThat is the file system test device, which scans the laborious disk drive and repairs any errors it finds.
  2. clearUse this to make free house, helpful if the explanation for Ubuntu not booting is an absence of HDD house.
  3. dpkgWith this, you possibly can restore damaged software program packages. Failed software program installations or updates may cause issues with Ubuntu not beginning. Repairing them ought to clear up this.


You probably have simply put in Ubuntu, and it will not boot, you also needs to attempt the failsafeX device. Graphics drivers or an issue with the Xorg graphical server is perhaps the fault on this state of affairs. Use failsafeX to beat this Ubuntu booting error.

Be aware that the basis menu merchandise is for superior customers who’ve the abilities to repair the issue manually.

4. Ubuntu Boot Didn’t Begin? It is Time to Reinstall

Within the occasion of a failure that might show time-consuming to resolve, you may desire to easily reinstall Ubuntu. This may be completed with out overwriting your current information and folders. In truth, it is one of many best fixes if Ubuntu will not boot.

  1. First, boot into the Reside surroundings in your Ubuntu set up media as defined above
  2. Subsequent, start set up of Ubuntu
  3. When the installer detects Ubuntu is already put in, choose Reinstall Ubuntu
  4. Choose the choice with the observe “Paperwork, music, and different private information will likely be saved”
  5. Proceed with reinstallation

After all, as a precaution, you must have already got a backup of all of your Ubuntu information. This may need been made manually with a backup utility or utilizing a disk cloning device like dd.

As soon as the reinstallation is full, Ubuntu needs to be again up and working.

Be aware: The Erase Ubuntu and Set up possibility shouldn’t be suggested until different choices fail. Once more, your information needs to be backed up first.

5. Ubuntu Linux Not Booting? Verify for Defective {Hardware}


Repair a hard disk drive
Picture Credit score: William Warby

One other explanation for Ubuntu being unable as well comes within the form of defective {hardware}. Boot issues could be attributable to:

  • A tough disk drive (HDD) or cabling fault
  • Motherboard points
  • A processor (CPU) drawback
  • Energy Provide Unit (PSU) points

Attempt our information for repairing a tough disk drive. You may also learn up on focusing your efforts to diagnose {hardware} points that stop a pc from booting.

Associated: Tricks to Save Cash on PC Repairs

As soon as a defective HDD is changed, you may usually must reinstall Ubuntu from scratch until you had a backup. Whereas it is a “scorched earth” method, this can clear up issues with Ubuntu not beginning.

Say Goodbye to Ubuntu Booting Issues!

Whether or not you have simply put in it otherwise you’ve been working Ubuntu for some time, if it will not boot, it is not essentially a straightforward repair.

If the GRUB bootloader can’t be repaired, it could possibly be a very long time earlier than you will have a usable laptop once more. Yet one more argument in favor of sustaining common backups, or at the very least syncing your precious information with the cloud!

Keep in mind, this may occur with any working system, not simply Ubuntu.


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