Systemd-Boot VS Grub2Win

Systemd-Boot

Systemd-Boot, formerly known as Gummiboot, is one of the simplest UEFI boot managers that lets you boot Linux and Windows in EFI mode even if the system is BIOS only supported.

Grub2Win

Safely dual boot Windows and Linux without touching the Windows MBR.

Landing page //
2021-07-19

Landing page //
2023-09-17

Systemd-Boot

Website: freedesktop.org

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Grub2Win

Website: sourceforge.net

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Systemd-Boot features and specs

Simplicity
Systemd-Boot is designed to be straightforward and simple to set up. It doesn't require complex configurations and is easier to manage compared to other boot managers, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer minimalism and simplicity.
Fast Boot Times
Systemd-Boot offers faster boot times since it is lightweight and doesn't come with additional features that can slow down the boot process. It focuses on providing a quicker and more efficient booting experience.
Integration with Systemd
Being a part of the systemd suite, systemd-boot integrates seamlessly with the system management features provided by systemd, allowing for better synchronization and configuration within systemd-based Linux environments.
Support for EFI Systems
Systemd-Boot is designed specifically for EFI systems, providing native support and taking full advantage of EFI features. This makes it highly compatible with modern hardware and firmware.

Possible disadvantages of Systemd-Boot

Limited Features
Systemd-Boot lacks some advanced features found in other boot loaders like GRUB. Users who require customization options, support for non-EFI systems, or advanced configurations might find systemd-boot restrictive.
EFI Only
Systemd-Boot is designed to work only with EFI firmware. Users with legacy BIOS systems cannot use systemd-boot, limiting its applicability to modern systems that support EFI.
Dependency on Systemd
As an integral component of the systemd suite, systemd-boot is dependent on systemd. Users who prefer systems without systemd, or who use distributions that do not include systemd by default, will not be able to use systemd-boot.
Community and Documentation
While growing, the community and the documentation around systemd-boot are not as extensive as those for more established boot loaders like GRUB. This might lead to difficulties in finding support or solutions to issues.

Grub2Win features and specs

Cross-Platform Boot Management
Grub2Win supports managing boot options for both Windows and Linux operating systems, allowing users to easily switch between different OSes on a single machine.
User-Friendly Interface
Grub2Win provides a graphical user interface that simplifies the configuration and management of boot settings, making it accessible even for users who are not well-versed in command-line tools.
Customization
The software allows for various customization options including themes, font sizes, and screen resolutions, enhancing the user experience.
Active Development
The project is actively maintained and updated, ensuring compatibility with new hardware and operating system versions.
Free and Open-Source
Grub2Win is open-source software released under the GPL, providing transparency and the ability to modify the software to fit specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Grub2Win

Dependency on Windows
Grub2Win requires an existing Windows installation to function, making it less useful for users who exclusively run Linux or other operating systems.
Limited Support
The support community, while active, is smaller compared to more widely-used boot managers, which may result in slower issue resolution or fewer resources for troubleshooting.
Complex Recovery
If the boot manager becomes corrupted or misconfigured, recovering a system can be more complex than using a native boot manager, potentially requiring additional technical knowledge.
Potential Compatibility Issues
While Grub2Win aims to be compatible with a wide range of systems, there can still be issues with specific hardware configurations or software environments.

Systemd-Boot videos

+ Add

Dual Kernel, Archlinux with systemd-boot and LTS Kernel

Grub2Win videos

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How to Multiboot Android x86 & Phoenix os using Grub2win

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Systemd-Boot and Grub2Win)

Grub2Win

Developer Tools

26 26%

Developer Tools

74% 74

IT Automation

25 25%

IT Automation

75% 75

OS & Utilities

100 100%

OS & Utilities

0% 0

Cloud Computing

29 29%

Cloud Computing

71% 71

User comments

Share your experience with using Systemd-Boot and Grub2Win. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Grub2Win seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Systemd-Boot mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Systemd-Boot yet. Tracking of Systemd-Boot recommendations started around Jul 2021.

Grub2Win mentions (7)

I have some questions regarding dual booting ubuntu on my windows PC.
Use https://sourceforge.net/projects/grub2win/ to manage dual (multiboot) from Windows , makes yput life easyer. If you have more than one disk instal Linux on a separate one if not you need to create a separate partition. When you install Linux if you have 2 drives make sure that Linux grub (bootloader) is installed on the drive wher Linux resides, not on the one where Windows and it's bootloader is, in case you... Source: about 2 years ago
Installing dual boot
Otherwise, what you'll have to do is image a USB drive with a partition management software or distro (e.g. GParted Live), boot from it, and then resize your partition from there. This does carry more risk of data loss than the dual SSD method, but it's more universal (you haven't mentioned if this is a laptop with more than one removable storage option or not, for instance), and it's unlikely to cause any harm.... Source: over 2 years ago
Can you install Chrome OS Flex as a Dual boot?
I have a suggestion, follow the previously advised installation process to install CrOS Flex on a separate drive, then reconnect and enable the Windows disk through the boot menu, once back there you can install a GRUB manager under Windows, like Grun2Win, it's easy to install and set up, once you are all done, the final result will be easier to switch from one OS to the next, instead of every time going through... Source: almost 3 years ago
It is better to use 2 Bootloaders when dual booting with windows 10
When using Opencore for booting Windows 10, causes many issues. Even it causes issues when you boot MacOS after restarting from Windows 10. So Fix is Simple Use Grub2win as main bootloader and boot Windows or Opencore ( Chainload opencore efi file) from there. I am available for your queries and help. Source: over 3 years ago
Ubuntu 20.04.2.0 is not showing after installing on windows 10
However, I have used this https://sourceforge.net/projects/grub2win/ I install it on the windows side and configure it. It will enable me to choose ubuntu> Ater booting in Ubuntu, I do grub install. If that's too complicated to install grub repair when you boot into Ubuntu and run it. Source: almost 4 years ago