How to Fix Missing Dual-Boot Entries in Kali Linux GRUB (Enable OS-Prober)
If you have dual-booted Kali Linux alongside another distribution like Ubuntu, Windows, or another Linux variant, you might notice something frustrating after installation: your secondary operating system completely vanishes from the boot screen.
Don't panic—your files and alternative operating systems are perfectly safe. Modern versions of Kali Linux explicitly
disable automated OS discovery (os-prober) out of the box to mitigate potential security vulnerabilities
(like unauthorized background mounting).
To bring your secondary operating system back to your launch menu, you need to manually unlock this feature. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to updating your GRUB bootloader matrix.
Step 1 Open the GRUB Configuration File
To change how your bootloader behaves, you must modify its primary configurations template. Open your terminal in Kali Linux and open the file using the nano text editor:
sudo nano /etc/default/grubStep 2 Unlocking the OS Prober Engine
Scroll down through the configuration lines inside the editor. Look for the dedicated section regarding multiple operating systems.
You need to locate or create a parameter variable called GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER.
- If the line is already there: Check if it says
=true. Change it directly tofalseso it looks exactly like this:
GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=false- If the line is commented out (has a
#in front of it): Delete the#symbol to activate the configuration command. - If the line is completely missing: Navigate to the absolute bottom of the document and add it manually:
GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=falseCtrl + O on your keyboard, hit Enter to confirm the file changes,
and then press Ctrl + X to exit back out to your terminal screen.
Step 3 Compile and Refresh the GRUB Boot Menu
Modifying the configuration template file alone will not change your startup parameters. You must compile these settings into the active system boot structure.
Run the following refresh utility in your terminal:
sudo update-grubWhat to Watch For
Keep your eyes on the terminal window log as the process runs. The tool will scan all connected internal and external hard drives. You should see a progress validation readout matching these logs:
Generating grub configuration file ...
Found background image: /usr/share/images/desktop-base/desktop-grub.png
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-xxx-amd64
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-xxx-amd64
Found Ubuntu on /dev/sdb2
doneStep 4 Reboot and Test
Once the command line prints out done, close all running windows and restart your computer:
sudo rebootWhen your system starts back up, the native GRUB layout selection menu will present an interactive interface allowing you to easily choose between loading your default Kali Linux workspace or launching into your secondary Ubuntu distribution.
Troubleshooting Quick Tip: Missing Entries After Scan?
If running sudo update-grub still fails to see your secondary operating system, it is usually caused by a hardware firmware mismatch:
- Legacy vs. UEFI: If your primary drive containing Kali Linux is booted under traditional Legacy BIOS architecture, the prober script cannot easily read or list an operating system using modern UEFI mode on a GPT partition table.
- The Fix: Make sure both operating systems are installed under matching firmware modes inside your system motherboard configuration settings.
/etc/default/grub file before editing:
sudo cp /etc/default/grub /etc/default/grub.bak
Wrap Up & Join the Discussion
Did this guide help restore your missing OS options?
Leave a comment down below if your secondary drive is still hidden or if you ran into specific partition mounting glitches!
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Posted on September 18, 2026 · Kali Linux · GRUB · Dual Boot · os-prober · Bootloader
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