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grub-install

system managementLinux
The grub-install command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. grub-install Install GRUB bootloader on a device
See ExamplesView Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

grub-install

Category:

system management

Platform:

Linux

Basic Usage:

grub-install [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

    Syntax

    grub-install [options] [--target=target] [device]

    Options

    Option Description
    --target=TARGET Install GRUB for TARGET platform [default=i386-pc]
    --boot-directory=DIR Install GRUB images under the directory DIR/grub instead of the default /boot/grub
    --efi-directory=DIR Use DIR as the EFI System Partition root
    --bootloader-id=ID The ID of bootloader for EFI or Macs. The default is 'grub'
    --removable Install GRUB for removable media (for EFI only)
    --recheck Delete device map if it already exists
    --force Install even if problems are detected
    --allow-floppy Make the drive also bootable as a floppy (default for fdX devices)
    --modules=MODULES Pre-load specified modules MODULES
    --no-nvram Don't update the NVRAM (for EFI only)
    --no-bootsector Don't install bootsector
    --help Display help information and exit
    --version Output version information and exit

    Examples

    How to Use These Examples

    The examples below show common ways to use the grub-install command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

    # Basic Examples Basic
    grub-install /dev/sda
    Install GRUB to the master boot record (MBR) of the first disk.
    grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi
    Install GRUB for UEFI systems, with the EFI directory at /boot/efi.
    # Advanced Examples Advanced
    grub-install --boot-directory=/mnt/boot /dev/sdb Install GRUB to /dev/sdb, using /mnt/boot as the boot directory. grub-install --target=i386-pc --recheck /dev/sda Install GRUB for BIOS systems with probe device map. grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --bootloader-id=GRUB Install GRUB for UEFI systems with a specific bootloader ID. grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --removable Install GRUB for UEFI removable installations.

    Try It Yourself

    Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

    Understanding Syntax

    Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

    Notes

    The grub-install command is used to install the GRUB bootloader onto a device, which is a critical component for booting most Linux systems. GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) provides a menu to select different operating systems or kernel versions during the boot process. Key features of grub-install: 1. Multiple Platform Support: grub-install can target different hardware platforms, including traditional BIOS systems (i386-pc), UEFI systems (x86_64-efi), and others, making it versatile across various hardware configurations. 2. Boot Directory Configuration: The command allows specifying a custom boot directory, which is useful when installing GRUB to a different system (e.g., during installation or recovery). 3. UEFI Support: For systems using UEFI firmware, grub-install can properly set up the EFI System Partition (ESP) and register the bootloader with the firmware. 4. Removable Media Installation: The --removable option enables creating bootable USB drives or other removable media with GRUB installed. 5. Device Map Management: With the --recheck option, grub-install can recreate the device map, which helps resolve issues when disk configurations change. 6. Module Loading: The command can be configured to pre-load specific GRUB modules, which extends functionality for specialized boot requirements. 7. NVRAM Management: For UEFI systems, grub-install updates the NVRAM to add GRUB as a boot option, though this can be disabled if needed. Common use cases include setting up a bootloader during system installation, repairing a broken boot configuration, creating bootable recovery media, and updating the bootloader after system changes. It's an essential tool for system administrators and users who need to manage boot configurations on Linux systems.

    Related Commands

    These commands are frequently used alongside grub-install or serve similar purposes:

    grub-mkconfig
    update-grub
    grub-set-default
    grub-reboot
    efibootmgr
    bootctl
    os-prober
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    Use Cases

    Learn By Doing

    The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the grub-install command works in different scenarios.

    See ExamplesTry Lab Exercises
    $ grub-install
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