Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
After a Windows update, the computer sometimes starts directly loading the Windows Boot Manager. The Linux partitions may have remained intact, and only the boot order of UEFI has changed. First, check the launch records.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
UEFI one-time menu check
Maybe Linux just needs a re-choice.
Steps to follow
- Save your Windows work and if the drive is encrypted, make a copy of the BitLocker key.
- Reboot and open the one-time boot menu with the key specified by the manufacturer; common keys are F12 or Esc, but check the manual.
- Look for your Linux distribution or its bootloader entry. Select it without changing the storage mode.
- If Linux has booted, save the data and restore the preferred boot order in the UEFI settings according to the manual.
Booting from trusted Linux media
Suitable if the record does not exist or does not work.
Steps to follow
- Prepare the official bootable media of the same distribution and choose the test mode, not installation with disk wiping.
- Use Disk Viewer to verify that the Linux and EFI partitions are still visible. Do not format them.
- Copy important accessible files to another media; an encrypted Linux drive will need its passphrase.
- Restore the bootloader according to the distribution's official instructions specifically for your UEFI and partition layout, or take it to a specialist.
If the problem persists
If there is no Linux entry at all, a bootloader recovery appropriate for the distro and your EFI layout is required. Do not create a new partition table or format the EFI partition. If BitLocker is used, have its key before boot changes.
Request a repair