How to Install BootSelector: Easily Set the Default OS in GRUB on Linux

Tired of the same old boot sequence? Do you dual-boot Linux distributions or juggle different kernels and constantly find yourself staring at the Grub menu, wishing there was a simpler way to choose your default operating system? Well, wish no more! BootSelector, a brand-new open-source application, is here to rescue you from the command line and offer a straightforward, user-friendly interface for managing your boot entries. This tool makes it incredibly easy to select your preferred OS or kernel, putting you firmly in control of your computer’s startup process.

What is BootSelector? Your Graphical Grub-Boot Customization Companion

BootSelector is a lightweight application designed to simplify the process of setting your default boot entry in the Grub bootloader. Grub, the Grand Unified Bootloader, is the standard bootloader for most Linux distributions. While powerful, configuring Grub often involves editing configuration files or using command-line tools. BootSelector streamlines this process, providing a clean and intuitive graphical user interface (GUI).

Why Choose BootSelector?

• Simplicity: The user interface is exceptionally easy to navigate, even for beginners. No more cryptic commands or complex configuration files!
• Lightweight: BootSelector is incredibly small, minimizing its footprint on your system. The .deb package is only 8KB and takes up only 41KB on disk.
• Open Source: Benefit from the transparency and community support of an open-source project.
• Efficiency: Set your default boot entry with just a couple of clicks.
• Instant Reboot: Reboot into selected option is provided.

Using BootSelector: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using BootSelector is a breeze. Here’s how to get started:

Installation: Currently, BootSelector offers .deb packages for Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint based systems. Fedora .rpm packages are planned for future releases. You can download it from the GitHub releases page. The developer has tested and confirmed it working on Ubuntu 24.04 and 24.10.

Installation Methods:

GUI Method: Double-click the downloaded .deb file using your file manager. Your system’s package manager will handle the installation.

Terminal Method: Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run the following command: sudo apt install <drag-and-drop-deb-into-terminal>

(Drag and drop the .deb file into the terminal. This should automatically fill the package name.)

Launch: Once installed, search for “BootSelector” in your application menu or GNOME Overview, depending on your desktop environment.

Set Default: The app will display a list of your current boot entries. Simply select your preferred entry and click “Set as Default”. Your system will now boot into that selection by default.

Reboot into Selected: Select the entry you want to boot into and click “Reboot into Selected”.

Uninstall: If you decide BootSelector isn’t for you, removing it is just as easy. Simply open a terminal and run: sudo apt remove bootselector

Beyond the Basics: How BootSelector Works

BootSelector simplifies things behind the scenes by directly editing the Grub configuration file, usually located at /etc/default/grub. It then silently updates the Grub configuration in the background, applying the changes you’ve selected.

Conclusion:

BootSelector offers a refreshingly simple and user-friendly approach to managing your default boot entry in Grub. It eliminates the need for complex command-line operations, making it ideal for both Linux newcomers and seasoned users who appreciate a streamlined workflow. Download BootSelector today and take full control of your system’s boot process. Give it a try – you might find it becomes an indispensable tool in your Linux toolkit!