Having a dual boot system with Ubuntu and Windows can provide great flexibility, but it can also lead to issues, especially after system updates. A common problem that many users encounter is that after a Windows 10 update, Ubuntu fails to boot and instead enters emergency mode. This article will discuss how to resolve this issue effectively.
Problem Scenario
Many users have reported that after updating Windows 10, their Ubuntu 18 system fails to boot properly and drops into an emergency mode prompt. Here's a sample scenario:
Starting Version 239.21
[...]
Mounting /dev/disk/by-uuid/xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx ...
/dev/sda: clean, 123456/123456 files, 1234567/1234567 blocks
[ 5.678901] systemd[1]: Failed to start Some System Service
[ 5.678901] systemd[1]: Starting Emergency Shell...
This situation can cause frustration, especially if you need to access your files or rely on Ubuntu for work or personal tasks.
Analysis of the Issue
When you perform a Windows update, it may change the boot loader settings or modify partitions, which can lead to your Ubuntu installation becoming unrecognized or misconfigured. In many cases, this might be due to the GRUB boot loader getting overwritten or corrupted. GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) is crucial for managing dual-boot systems and loading the correct operating system.
Why Does This Happen?
- Boot Loader Corruption: Windows updates may overwrite GRUB settings.
- Partition Changes: Windows can resize or alter the partition table, affecting Ubuntu's access.
- File System Issues: If the file system becomes corrupted during the update, it might lead to boot failures.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the boot issue.
1. Boot From Live USB
You will need a live USB with Ubuntu installed to access your system files and potentially repair the installation.
- Download the Ubuntu ISO from the official Ubuntu website.
- Create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or UNetbootin.
2. Access the Terminal
Once you boot from the live USB:
- Choose "Try Ubuntu" to start the live session.
- Open the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
3. Check Disk and Repair Filesystem
Run the following command to identify your partitions:
sudo fdisk -l
Look for your main Ubuntu partition (usually /dev/sdaX where X is a number). Replace X in the command below with your partition number:
sudo fsck /dev/sdaX
4. Reinstall GRUB
After ensuring the file system is intact, you may need to reinstall GRUB:
sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt
sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda
sudo update-grub
Replace /dev/sda with your disk's location (not the partition number).
5. Reboot Your System
Once GRUB is reinstalled, unmount the drive and reboot:
sudo umount /mnt
sudo reboot
6. Check Your BIOS Settings
If you still cannot boot, check your BIOS settings to ensure that the boot order prioritizes the correct drive.
Conclusion
Encountering an issue where Ubuntu does not boot after a Windows 10 update can be daunting, but with careful troubleshooting steps, it can often be resolved. By following the steps outlined above—using a live USB, repairing the file system, and reinstalling the GRUB bootloader—you can regain access to your Ubuntu installation.
Additional Resources
Using these resources, you can further explore solutions or ask for help from the community. Always remember to keep backups of your important files to prevent data loss during such issues.
