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
, orDel
).- 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.
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. ```---
- Look under the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section for entries related to Ubuntu, GRUB, or Linux.
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
, typediskmgmt.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.
- 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.* ```---
- Look for any unrecognized partitions or those labeled as "Unknown" or "Healthy (EFI System Partition)."
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.
- 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:
- Set up partitions carefully to avoid overwriting Windows.
- 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.