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I need some help with my dual boot. It shows a black screen with error: invalid EFI file path when I try to boot Windows from the grub menu. Though the invalid EFI file path is a common problem, I couldn't solve it. I'm currently using Windows 10 Home which is in legacy BIOS mode. All the disks are in MBR partition.

I started to do an online programming course that required me to dual boot Ubuntu, so I tried to install Ubuntu. I have a separate SSD for Windows and Ubuntu, both in MBR partition. After installing Ubuntu I couldn't find Windows in the grub menu. Then I searched online and tried to install Boot-Repair in Ubuntu, but an error occurred and asked me to install manually (dpkg was interrupted).

Then I again booted from the Ubuntu live USB and selected Try Ubuntu and then ran Boot-Repair. It worked and now I can see the Windows 10 option in the grub menu, but then this error comes up - error: invalid EFI file path.

Another thing is that Ubuntu SSD went from MBR to GPT partition after installation. My guess is that Ubuntu is now installed in UEFI mode. Is there any way to do the whole thing in Legacy BIOS mode? My BIOS has 2 options related to legacy mode and UEFI.

  • Storage Boot Option Control (which is set to Legacy in the below BIOS screen)
  • Other PCI devices (which is set to UEFI)

BIOS:

enter image description here

error: invalid EFI file path:

invalid efi file path picture

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    Unplug your Windows drive. Install Ubuntu on the other drive in the same BIOS/UEFI mode Windows uses, (ie Legacy). Plug in Windows drive. Set Ubuntu drive as the first HDD in BIOS. Boot Ubuntu then in Terminal run sudo update-grub , this should add Windows to Ubuntu's boot menu. When booting the Ubuntu drive you will be given a choice to boot Ubuntu or Windows.
    – C.S.Cameron
    Jan 28 at 14:02
  • wow, thanks....that actually worked..
    – Hamid Khan
    Jan 28 at 15:17
  • @C.S.Cameron your comment is actually an answer
    – Elder Geek
    Jan 30 at 17:50
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    @Elder Geek: I have converted it to an Answer, thank you.
    – C.S.Cameron
    Jan 31 at 2:42
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    @C.S.Cameron Thank You! Most people find answers easier to locate than comments. Already 3 of us liked your answer!
    – Elder Geek
    Jan 31 at 23:34

1 Answer 1

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Dual boot Ubuntu 22.04 in Legacy BIOS mode

  • Unplug your Windows drive.
  • Install Ubuntu on the other drive in the same BIOS/UEFI mode Windows uses, (ie Legacy).
  • Plug in Windows drive.
  • Set Ubuntu drive as the first HDD in BIOS.
  • Boot Ubuntu then in Terminal run sudo update-grub , this should add Windows to Ubuntu's boot menu.
  • When booting the Ubuntu drive you will be given a choice to boot Ubuntu or Windows.
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    @HamidKhan If this answered your question, you can mark this answer as accepted by clicking the gray check mark beside the answer to change its color to green.
    – karel
    Jan 31 at 9:37

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