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GRUB bootloader

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Safely Remove Ubuntu from Windows Dual-Boot - Complete UEFI & GRUB Cleanup

· 9 min read
Guangze Yang
Guangze Yang
Master of Control System, Ibaraki University

This comprehensive guide explains how to safely remove Ubuntu from a Windows dual-boot system, clean up partitions, and restore the Windows bootloader. Follow these steps carefully to avoid data loss and system issues.

Data Loss Warning

Removing Ubuntu involves deleting partitions and modifying system boot files. Always backup important data before proceeding. Incorrect execution can make your system unbootable.

Overview​

When Ubuntu is installed alongside Windows in a dual-boot configuration, it typically:

  • Creates Linux partitions (root, swap, sometimes home)
  • Installs GRUB bootloader to manage boot options
  • Adds EFI entries for Linux boot process
  • Modifies system boot sequence

Proper removal requires:

  1. Backing up important data
  2. Removing Ubuntu EFI entries
  3. Deleting Ubuntu partitions
  4. Restoring Windows bootloader
  5. Reclaiming disk space

Prerequisites​

Required Access​

  • Windows Administrator privileges
  • Physical access to the computer
  • Windows installation media (for recovery if needed)
  • Complete data backup of important files
  • Create Windows recovery drive
  • Document current partition layout
  • Note Ubuntu version and installation details

System Requirements​

  • UEFI-based system (most modern computers)
  • Windows 10/11 with Disk Management tools
  • Stable power supply during the process

Create Portable Ubuntu USB with GRUB - Full Installation Guide (Not Live USB)

· 12 min read
Guangze Yang
Guangze Yang
Master of Control System, Ibaraki University

This comprehensive guide explains how to install Ubuntu on a USB drive with a portable GRUB bootloader configuration. This setup allows you to run Ubuntu from any computer while keeping the host system's bootloader intact.

Ubuntu on USB

Overview​

Installing Ubuntu on a USB drive provides several advantages:

  • Portability: Run your Ubuntu environment on any compatible computer
  • Non-invasive: No changes to the host computer's internal storage
  • Isolation: Complete separation from host operating system
  • Development Environment: Portable development setup for embedded systems
  • Recovery Tool: Bootable Ubuntu system for system recovery tasks

Understanding the Boot Process​

Traditional Installation vs USB Installation​

Traditional Installation:

  • GRUB installed on internal disk
  • EFI files stored in host system's ESP (EFI System Partition)
  • GRUB menu appears even without USB drive

USB Installation (This Guide):

  • GRUB installed entirely on USB drive
  • EFI files contained within USB drive
  • Host system remains unchanged
  • GRUB only appears when USB is connected

Boot Flow Diagram​