Are you looking for an OS to swap?
Are you looking for an OS to swap?
I recently switched from a laptop to a full desktop setup, and I hit a snag. It’s not about hardware or booting issues—it’s fine with the system running smoothly. Can anyone suggest a method to quickly switch between operating systems using a restart? For example: Windows → Linux → Windows again. This would let me test if applications work consistently across both platforms without much hassle. Any ideas would be appreciated!
PC Specs: Mobo, TUF H570-Pro CPU, I7-11700KF cooler, Be Quiet! GPU, Pure Loop 240mm GPU, TUF RTX 3080, Corsair Vengeance 3600MHz RAM, Asus PCE-AC88 drives, 2TB 7200RPM Barracuda HDD, 1TB WD Blue 7200RPM HDD, PSU from S easonic Focus 850W, 80 Plus Gold.
You can access the boot menu via the system settings. A search on Google confirms the Asus TUF key is F8. Press it instead of your BIOS option (F2). This displays a list of bootable devices, letting you select any you prefer. Note: This adjustment doesn’t alter the boot sequence; it simply starts with the chosen drive and then the priority one at restart.
I wasn't expecting this feature yet. Which Linux distribution are you using? Many include tools like GRUB, a boot manager that lets you start any installed OS at boot. I’d recommend setting one up, especially if you prefer rEFInd—it needs GRUB but offers a more user-friendly experience.
You're using Ubuntu LTS and are familiar with GRUB. I understand the process, but you're curious about quicker options that skip GRUB entirely for booting into Windows.
GRUB timeout can be adjusted to zero seconds, which prevents accessing GRUB altogether. The optimal setting is typically 1 second, allowing you to reduce boot time while still being able to switch operating systems. Alternatively, consider other boot managers like rEFInd, which lets you set a timeout of -1 for instant default boot, or use shortcut keys (e.g., W for Windows, L for Linux/Ubuntu) to launch the desired OS directly.