UEFI is removing non-windows boot entries

[jackstade]

I just got a new laptop and I'm trying to set up dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 11. However, the UEFI firmware seems to be removing the boot entry for ubuntu if a windows boot entry exists. I have disabled secure boot.

I can boot into ubuntu using the "boot from EFI file" option in the boot menu, but I would like it to boot into ubuntu by default.

I have tried using boot-repair to recreate the boot entry for ubuntu, but the boot entry disappears after restarting.

If I remove the windows boot entry while on the linux side using efibootmgr, then it launches grub correctly after I restart. The boot entry for ubuntu only gets removed if there is a windows boot entry present.

I can then boot into windows using grub, but windows re-creates its boot entry. I can see using easyUEFI that there are boot entries for both windows and ubuntu, but the next time I restart, the boot entry for ubuntu is gone. So I know that it is the device firmware and not windows that it is removing the boot entry.

I tried removing the windows boot entry while on the windows side using easyUEFI, but this broke something and I had to reinstall windows.

I tried disabling the windows boot manager using easyUEFI, but the ubuntu boot entry was still removed after I created it with boot-repair.

Is there a way to prevent the UEFI firmware from doing this?

[Deep_World]

Hi @jackstade,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused don’t worry let me help you.

Recommended Steps

1. Use the EFI File as Default Boot Entry
   • Instead of relying on the UEFI boot entry name, you can copy the GRUB EFI file over the Windows Boot Manager EFI file.
   • Steps (for advanced users):
     1. Boot into Ubuntu.
     2. Mount the EFI partition (usually /boot/efi).
     3. Backup the Windows Boot Manager:
     4. sudo cp /boot/efi/EFI/Microsoft/Boot/bootmgfw.efi /boot/efi/EFI/Microsoft/Boot/bootmgfw.efi.bak
     5. Replace it with GRUB EFI:
     6. sudo cp /boot/efi/EFI/ubuntu/grubx64.efi /boot/efi/EFI/Microsoft/Boot/bootmgfw.efi
     7. Reboot — the system should now boot into GRUB by default, from where you can select Windows.

 Note: This approach works on HP laptops that aggressively enforce the Windows Boot Manager, but it requires caution. Always backup EFI files before overwriting.

1. Keep Using “Boot from EFI File” Option
   • If you prefer not to overwrite the Windows EFI, you can continue to use the UEFI menu to select Ubuntu.
   • Some HP firmware keeps the entry only temporarily, so this is a safer, albeit manual, workaround.
2. BIOS / Firmware Updates
   • Check HP Support → Software and Drivers → BIOS for your laptop model.
   • Occasionally, new firmware versions reduce aggressive Windows Boot Manager enforcement.
3. Avoid Disabling Windows Boot Manager
   • Disabling or removing the Windows Boot Manager can cause Windows boot failures, as you’ve already experienced.
   • It’s recommended to leave Windows boot intact and instead manage boot order via the GRUB EFI file method.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[jackstade]

Thanks for the suggestion. This works to prevent the UEFI from removing the grub entry, but now the windows entry in the grub menu just relaunches grub.

To fix this, I needed to change the grub configuration to add a windows entry that boots with the old windows efi file. See here for details.

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome @jackstade 

Thank you for sharing such a detailed walkthrough of your dual-boot setup experience. It’s clear you’ve put in a lot of effort and technical care to get Ubuntu and Windows 11 working side by side on your HP laptop. I appreciate your persistence and the steps you’ve already taken.

Your solution to redirect GRUB to the original Windows EFI is spot-on and shows excellent technical insight. 

Regards,

Hawks_Eye