Make GRUB (GRUB2) Remember Last Choice on Linux

mail
Cyrus Kao
Last modified

Having multiple boot options managed by a boot manager like GRUB is a common thing on Linux or a Windows dual-boot machine, but to select the os/kernel in a 5 seconds window is a pain in the ass. So how about make GRUB remember your last boot choice?

Backup GRUB

First, backup your current GRUB configuration /etc/default/grub to /etc/default/grub.backup in case anything goes wrong:

sudo cp /etc/default/grub /etc/default/grub.backup
Bash

Edit GRUB

Open the GRUB configuration /etc/default/grub with the text editor of your choice:

  • vim (command-line editor for advanced user)

    sudo vim /etc/default/grub
    Bash
  • nano (easy to use command-line editor)

    sudo nano /etc/default/grub
    Bash
  • gedit (editor with graphical interface, default text editor of Ubuntu and distros with GNOME)

    sudo gedit /etc/default/grub
    Bash

    or

    gedit admin:/etc/default/grub
    Bash
    etc/default/grub
    /etc/default/grub opened with gedit

Add or edit the parameters GRUB_DEFAULT and GRUB_SAVEDEFAULT:

GRUB_DEFAULT=saved
GRUB_SAVEDEFAULT=true
Plain text

Make GRUB Configuration

Generate GRUB configuration:

  • Debian/Ubuntu based Linux

    sudo update-grub
    Bash
  • Arch Linux/Manjaro

    sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
    Bash
  • RHEL/CentOS/Fedora

    sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg
    Bash

Now reboot and the selected boot option will be remembered next time.

Comments

0500