How to Fix “GRUB Failed to Install” Error in Linux

Installing Linux is an exciting journey. But sometimes it throws a curveball. One of those curveballs? The dreaded “GRUB Failed to Install” error. Ugh! That thing can stop your Linux dreams dead in their tracks.

Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it looks. We’ll walk through fixing it step-by-step. You don’t need to be a Linux ninja. Just follow along, and you’ll be back on track in no time!

What is GRUB Anyway?

GRUB stands for GRand Unified Bootloader. It’s the magical thing that lets you choose between Linux, Windows, or other systems when your computer starts. If GRUB doesn’t install properly, your system may not even boot.

So yeah, it matters. Let’s look at how you can fix it when things go sideways.

Common Causes For the Error

The GRUB install error usually means something went wrong during installation. Here are common reasons:

• The wrong disk was selected for the bootloader
• UEFI and Legacy BIOS conflict
• Missing or unmounted partitions
• Corrupted partition table

Each problem has a solution. Let’s fix this pesky issue!

Step 1: Don’t Panic. Boot Live USB

First things first. Boot from the Live USB or Live CD you used to install Linux.

Choose Try Linux or Try Ubuntu instead of installing again. This gives you access to tools without touching your actual system.

Step 2: Open Terminal (Yeah, the Black Box)

You’ll need the Terminal. But don’t worry! You don’t need to write code from “The Matrix.” Just copy and paste these commands.

Mount Your Root Partition

Find your Linux root partition. Use:

sudo fdisk -l

Look for something like /dev/sda2 or /dev/nvme0n1p2. Once you’ve identified it, mount it:

sudo mount /dev/sda2 /mnt

Mount Other Essential Partitions

If you have a separate boot or EFI partition, mount it too:

sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/boot/efi

Create directories if they don’t exist:

sudo mkdir -p /mnt/boot/efi

Step 3: Bind System Folders

This connects your Live system to your installed system:

sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys

Now enter a jail — technically known as a chroot:

sudo chroot /mnt

You’re now operating inside your installed Linux system.

Step 4: Reinstall GRUB

This is the part where magic happens. Based on your setup:

• For a standard BIOS system:

grub-install /dev/sda

• For UEFI systems (important!):

grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --bootloader-id=GRUB

Next, update GRUB so it finds your OS:

update-grub

Step 5: Exit and Reboot

Exit the chroot environment:

exit

Unmount everything:

sudo umount /mnt/dev
sudo umount /mnt/proc
sudo umount /mnt/sys
sudo umount /mnt/boot/efi
sudo umount /mnt

Now restart your system:

sudo reboot

Remove the USB when prompted. If all went well, your Linux system should boot up perfectly!

Still Not Working?

Okay, your system still won’t boot? Try these extras:

1. Check Your BIOS or UEFI Settings

• Set the drive with Linux as the first boot device
• Disable Secure Boot if necessary
• Match the install type: If Linux was installed in UEFI, boot the USB in UEFI mode

2. Use Boot Repair Tool

If the manual method failed, there’s an easier route.

1. Boot from the Live USB again
2. Connect to the internet
3. Run these commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y boot-repair
boot-repair

Follow the simple on-screen prompts. Often, this tool auto-fixes GRUB issues like a pro.

Bonus: Dual-Boot Woes

Trying to dual-boot with Windows?

• Don’t let Windows overwrite GRUB during updates
• Turn off Fast Boot in Windows settings
• Use GRUB as the main bootloader, not Windows Boot Manager

Dual-boot setups are common, but they need a bit of extra care.

Conclusion (Yeah, You Did It!)

The “GRUB Failed to Install” error can feel like a wall. But now you’ve got the tools to smash right through it.

Here’s a mini checklist to remember:

• Boot with Live USB
• Mount your partitions
• Enter chroot
• Reinstall GRUB
• Update and reboot

Done properly, GRUB will greet you at boot with that sweet, familiar menu.

Linux can be a bit intimidating at first. But every hurdle, like this GRUB error, is a step toward becoming a power user. So go on! Enjoy that fresh Linux install.