Ubuntu not fully deleting on windows.

Willow Rei 20 Reputation points
2025-03-16T01:30:40.2966667+00:00

A few months ago I decided to move off of Ubuntu and back to windows so I factory reset windows to get a clean start and then removed all of Ubuntu’s partitions from the drive I was using as well as using command prompt as administrator to delete it in the UEFI settings, however i recently wanted to give Linux a second try and was in the process of dual booting windows with Debian which is when I realized that Ubuntu is still on my device and I cannot see my Debian usb in my usb select screen. Any help would be much appreciated!

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  1. André van den Berg 246 Reputation points MVP
    2025-03-16T10:51:48.61+00:00

    It sounds like remnants of your previous Ubuntu installation or its bootloader (GRUB) might still be present, which is likely why you're experiencing issues. Let me guide you through resolving this and correctly setting up a dual-boot system with Debian:


    Step 1: Verify Bootloader/UEFI Settings

    When you previously removed Ubuntu, it’s possible that the GRUB bootloader (Ubuntu’s boot manager) wasn’t fully removed or overwritten by Windows Boot Manager. GRUB may still be present in your UEFI firmware settings.

    Check UEFI Boot Menu:

    • Restart your computer and enter UEFI/BIOS (the key to enter UEFI differs by manufacturer, but it's often F2, F10, F12, or Del).
      • Look under the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section for entries related to Ubuntu, GRUB, or Linux.
        • If you find an "ubuntu" or "GRUB" entry there, proceed to remove it.
        Remove Leftover Bootloader Entries:
            Boot into Windows.
            
            
               Open **Command Prompt** as Administrator.
            
               
                  Use this command to list UEFI boot entries:
            
                  
                  cmd
            
                  
                  ```
                  bcdedit /enum firmware
                  ```
            
                  
                     Look for entries related to "Ubuntu" or "GRUB."
            
                     
                        To delete unwanted entries, use:
            
                        
                        cmd
            
                        
                        ```
                        bcdedit /delete {identifier}
                        ```
            
                        
                        Replace `{identifier}` with the actual entry ID found in the list.
            
                        
                           Alternatively, you can use the **BIOS/UEFI Setup Utility** to delete these entries directly from the firmware settings interface.
            ```---
        

    Step 2: Clean the Drive of Linux Partitions

    Even though you mentioned deleting Ubuntu’s partitions, ensure there are no residual partitions left from your previous Linux installation.

    Use Disk Management:

    • Press Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Disk Management.
      • Look for any unrecognized partitions or those labeled as "Unknown" or "Healthy (EFI System Partition)."
        • Right-click the unwanted partitions and select Delete Volume. Proceed with caution to avoid deleting essential Windows partitions.
        Use Diskpart (Optional):
            - Open **Command Prompt** as Administrator.
            
            
               - Type `diskpart` and press Enter.
            
               
                  - Type `list disk` to see all drives and `select disk X` (replace `X` with the disk number) to target a specific drive.
            
                  
                     - Use `list partition` to see partitions on the selected disk and `delete partition X` to delete any partitions related to Ubuntu.
            
                     
                     *Note: Proceed carefully to avoid affecting your Windows installation.*
            ```---
        

    Step 3: Troubleshoot USB Boot Issues (For Debian)

    The problem with the USB not showing in the boot menu might be unrelated to Ubuntu and could stem from how the Debian USB was created or current UEFI settings.

    Ensure the USB is Bootable:

    • Create the Debian bootable USB using a tool like Rufus or the official instructions for Debian. Ensure you select "GPT partition scheme for UEFI" if your system is in UEFI mode.
      • Verify that Secure Boot is either supported by Debian or disabled in your BIOS/UEFI.
      Check UEFI Settings:
        - Restart and access UEFI/BIOS settings.
        
        
           - Ensure USB boot is enabled and prioritized in the boot order.
        
           
              - Disable Secure Boot temporarily if required (Debian supports Secure Boot, but this depends on how the ISO is prepared).
        
              
              **Check for USB Issues**:
        
              
                 - Test the USB on another computer to confirm it is bootable.
        
                 
                    - Recreate the USB if necessary using a different tool or official documentation.
        ```---
      

    Step 4: Finalize Dual Boot with Debian

    Once you’ve resolved the issue of Ubuntu remnants and verified the USB is working, proceed with the Debian installation. During installation:

    1. Set up partitions carefully to avoid overwriting Windows.
    2. Install Debian’s GRUB bootloader; it will detect both Debian and Windows and allow you to choose between them at startup.

    If these steps don’t work or if issues persist, feel free to provide more details (e.g., errors encountered, system configuration) so I can offer further assistance. For additional guidance on dual-booting Windows and Linux, refer to Install Linux on Windows with Dual Boot.


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