What To Do If Dual Boot Option Is Not Showing In Windows 11/10

Have there been times when you were logged in to Windows 11 or 10 and wished to go back to Windows 7 or Linux? Dual Boot is an option in Windows that lets you do just that. If you are new to the concept, in this post we have demonstrated how you can dual-boot Windows 10 and Ubuntu. But, what if the dual boot option is not showing on your Windows PC? Needn’t worry, in this post, we have discussed workarounds using which you can resolve the issue. But, before we delve into the fixes, let’s have a look at some reasons why this issue may persist.

Why Is Dual Boot Not Working On My Windows PC?

1. The “Startup and Recovery” option is not correctly configured.
2. The “Fast Startup” option is enabled because of which your PC is booting directly into the default operating system.
3. You have configured the default OS correctly.
4. Presence of corrupted system files.

Best Ways To Fix “Dual-Boot” Option Not Showing/ Working On Windows 11/10 PC

1. Turn on Boot Menu Via Command Prompt

If the dual boot option is not showing on your Windows PC, it could be that menu has been deactivated. You can reactivate it using the Command Prompt. Here are the steps to do the same –

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Windows search bar and click on Run as administrator from the right-hand side.
2. When the Command Prompt opens, type bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu yes and press Enter.
3. Restart your computer

2. Configure System Startup Settings

Your WindowsPC offers Advanced System Settings with the help of which you can choose the default operating system that you wish to boot into. To configure the default operating system via Advanced System Settings, follow the steps mentioned below –

1. In the Windows search bar type Advanced System Settings and click on View Advanced System Settings
2. Click on Settings under Startup and Recovery.
3. Click on the checkbox next to Time To Display List Of Operating Systems.
4. Click on OK
5. Restart Your Computer.

3. Use A Third-Party Tool

If the normal dual boot option is not showing or working on your Windows PC, you can take the help of third-party software. EasyBCD is a free lightweight application that can help you add boot entry.

1. Download, install, and launch EasyBCD.
2. From the left, select Edit Boot Menu.
3. You will be able to see a dual boot entry here by default.
4. Select the default OS you want by clicking on the checkbox next to it.
5. Check the Use Metro bootloader that you can see under Menu Options.
6. Set the timer to 30 seconds and choose the Cound down.
7. Click on Save Settings.
8. Restart your computer.

4. Disable Fast Boot

Another variant of the “dual boot option not working” is when a user boots directly into one operating system. Here they don’t get the option to choose the operating system, they want to boot into. If you are facing the same issue, you can try disabling the “Fast Boot” option. To do that follow the steps mentioned below –

1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
2. Choose System and head to Power & sleep.
3. Click on Additional power settings under Related settings.
4. Click on Choose what the power button does.
5. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
6. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
7. Click on Save changes.

Fast Startup can also be disabled through Command Prompt as well. Read on here to know how.

5. Use System Configuration To Set Boot Options

1. Type System Configuration in the Windows search bar and click on open from the right-hand side.
2. Click on the Boot tab
3. Set the Timeout for a reasonable amount.
4. Click on Apply.

6. Repair System Files

Quite like many other issues, if the dual boot is not working or showing on your Windows PC, it could be that the corrupt system files are to be blamed. Here you can repair them using the SFC command. To do that –

1. Open the Administrative Command Prompt as shown in the method above.
2. When the Command Prompt opens, type sfc /scannow.
3. Press Enter.
4. Additionally, if the SFC command fails to repair files, type the following commands –

exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Writers Tip – Use An Optimization Tool

Since we are talking about dealing with corrupt files, you might also want to check your PC for other issues as well. Now, it might not be possible for you to check for issues now and then. You can instead, employ a third-party tool like Advanced System Optimizer. It won’t just help you identify and remove issues from your computer, but, even optimize it for supreme performance.

How Can Advanced System Optimizer Help Me Cleanup and Optimize My Windows PC?

Advanced System Optimizer is one utility that packs various tools for your cleanup and optimization needs such as –

• One-click cleanup of junk files, cache data, temporary files, and various other unnecessary files.
• PC optimization tools for optimizing PC for gaming, memory, etc.
• Analyze disk space.
• Fix registry issues and optimize them for better performance.
• Update outdated system drivers.

Download Now

The above-mentioned points give you a glimpse of Advanced System Optimizer. To know more about this tool and see how it works, you can check out this post.

Wrapping Up

There could be several reasons why you want to use two operating systems on one PC. And, if the dual boot option is not showing up or not working, you can try the solutions mentioned in this post. We’d also like to know which of the above solutions worked out for you. For more such content, keep reading WeTheGeek. You can also find us on YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and Flipboard.