Learn how to resolve the grub error no suitable video mode found. Our Server Management Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

Error: grub error no suitable video mode found

The “no suitable video mode found” error in GRUB occurs during system startup when the bootloader is unable to detect a compatible video display configuration for your system.

Error Message

The error is typically displayed as:

error: no suitable video mode found
Booting in blind modeCopy Code

Impacts of the Error

Technical Impacts

• Minimal System Disruption: The error message appears during startup but usually does not hinder the boot process.
• System Startup Continues: In most cases, the system proceeds to boot without issues.
• Temporary Visual Disruption: The error only affects the display during the boot phase.
• Possible Graphics Configuration Issues: It may indicate an underlying problem with the graphics setup.

Specific Manifestations

• Brief Appearance During Boot: The error occurs momentarily at system startup.
• Typical Messages Displayed: Messages like

  "error: no suitable video mode found" and "Booting in blind mode"Copy Code

  may appear.
• More Common in Legacy BIOS: This issue is more prevalent in legacy BIOS setups than in UEFI systems.
• Cosmetic Nature: The error does not usually interfere with core system functionality.

Potential Complications

• Possible Graphics Driver Incompatibility: The error might suggest issues with display drivers.
• Hardware or Configuration Problems: It may point to deeper hardware or system misconfigurations.
• Dual-Boot Challenges: In some cases, it can disrupt smooth multi-boot setups.
• Display Resolution Initialization Issues: It may prevent proper screen resolution detection at boot.

Performance Considerations

• No Significant Performance Impact: The error does not affect system speed or efficiency.
• Graphical Interfaces Start Normally: X11 and other GUI environments typically function as expected post-boot.
• Kernel and OS Remain Unaffected: The core operating system continues operating without disruption.
• Mostly a Visual Nuisance: This error is usually more of an aesthetic inconvenience than a critical failure, often requiring little to no intervention.

Causes and Corresponding Fixes

1. Incompatible Graphics Driver

Cause: A mismatch between GRUB’s video drivers and the system’s hardware configuration.

Fix:

• Add the

  nomodesetCopy Code

  kernel parameter.
• Use the

  insmod all_videoCopy Code

  command at the GRUB prompt.
• Manually load the necessary video modules.

Detailed Steps

Temporary Solution: Add nomodeset Kernel Parameter

• Access GRUB boot options by pressing ‘e’ on the GRUB boot screen.
• Locate the line starting with linux or linux16.
• Append

  nomodesetCopy Code

  at the end of this line.
• Press F10 to boot with the modified settings.

Permanent Solution

• Open the GRUB configuration file:

  sudo nano /etc/default/grubCopy Code
• Add or modify the following line:

  GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="nomodeset"Copy Code

• Save the file and update GRUB:

  sudo update-grubCopy Code

Module Loading Method

• Restart the system and enter the GRUB prompt.
• Load all available video modules using:

  insmod all_videoCopy Code
• Verify compatibility with the loaded video module.
• Restart the system to apply changes.

2. Missing Unicode Font

Cause: The required Unicode font file is missing from the GRUB directory.

Fix:

• • Manually copy

    unicode.pf2 to /boot/grub/fonts/.Copy Code

  • Ensure the font file is present and properly configured.
  • Regenerate the GRUB configuration using:

sudo update-grubCopy Code

3. Incorrect GRUB Video Mode Settings

Cause: Incorrect video mode configuration in GRUB settings.

Fix:

• Set

  GRUB_GFXMODECopy Code

  to a compatible resolution.
• Use set

  gfxmode=autoCopy Code

  .
• Modify the

  /etc/default/grubCopy Code

  configuration.
• Run update-grub after making changes.

Systematic Approach

Resolution Configuration

• Open the GRUB configuration file:

  sudo nano /etc/default/grubCopy Code
• Set a compatible resolution:

  GRUB_GFXMODE=1024x768
  GRUB_GFXPAYLOAD_LINUX=keepCopy Code

Automatic Mode

Use the following command at the GRUB prompt:

set gfxmode=autoCopy Code

Regenerate the GRUB configuration:

sudo update-grubCopy Code

4. Secure Boot Interference

BIOS/UEFI Configuration

• Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI setup.
• Navigate to the Security or Boot Options section.
• Locate and disable Secure Boot.
• Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Firmware Update

Check and update the system firmware using:

sudo fwupdmgr get-devices
sudo fwupdmgr refresh
sudo fwupdmgr update
Copy Code

5. Legacy BIOS Compatibility Issues

Cause: A regression in GRUB affecting legacy BIOS systems.

Fix:

• Update to the latest GRUB version.
• Use

  terminal_input consoleCopy Code

  and

  terminal_output consoleCopy Code

  commands.
• Add

  set gfxpayload=keepCopy Code

  to the GRUB configuration.

Systematic Resolution:

GRUB Update

Update the package list:

sudo apt-get updateCopy Code

Reinstall the GRUB package:

sudo apt-get install --reinstall grub2Copy Code

Console Configuration:

Modify the GRUB configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/default/grubCopy Code

Add or modify the following lines:

GRUB_TERMINAL_INPUT=console
GRUB_TERMINAL_OUTPUT=console
Copy Code

6. Hybrid Graphics Configuration

Cause: Conflicts between integrated and discrete GPUs.

Fix:

• Use the nomodeset parameter.
• Disable the external GPU during boot.
• Update graphics drivers.
• Configure GPU switching in BIOS.

Troubleshooting:

Kernel Parameter

Add the following line to the GRUB configuration:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="nomodeset
nouveau.modeset=0"Copy Code

GPU Management:

• Enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Set the integrated graphics as the primary display.
• Disable the discrete GPU during the boot process.

7. Incomplete Video Module Loading

Cause: Insufficient initialization of video modules.

Fix

• Manually load video modules at the GRUB prompt.
  Use the command insmod all_video.
• Add

  insmod gfxtermCopy Code

  and configure

  terminal_output gfxtermCopy Code

  .

Module Management

GRUB Prompt Commands

At the GRUB prompt, execute the following commands:

insmod all_video
insmod gfxterm
terminal_output gfxterm
Copy Code

Persistent Configuration

1: Open the GRUB configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/default/grubCopy Code

2: Add the necessary video modules:

GRUB_PRELOAD_MODULES="video all_video"Copy Code

3: Update GRUB:

sudo update-grubCopy Code

Warning: Always back up configuration files before making any modifications.

Prevention Strategies

Keep System Updated

• Regularly update GRUB.
• Install the latest Linux kernel.
• Update graphics drivers to ensure compatibility.

Proactive Configuration

• Test various GRUB video settings for optimal performance.
• Verify hardware compatibility with the system.
• Use standardized screen resolutions to avoid conflicts.

Backup Configuration

• Maintain backups of multiple GRUB configuration versions.
• Create recovery boot options for quick system recovery.
• Document successful configurations for future reference.

Hardware Compatibility

• Check compatibility of your Linux distribution with your hardware.
• Verify graphics card support for optimal system performance.
• Consider using virtualization for complex setups that require specific configurations.

Important Note: Although this error is usually non-critical, persistent issues may indicate the need for deeper system diagnostics or hardware investigation.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

The “no suitable video mode found” GRUB error is generally a minor issue that doesn’t hinder the system from booting but can cause visual disruptions during startup. While this error is more common in legacy BIOS systems, it can be effectively addressed by adjusting kernel parameters, updating graphics drivers, or configuring video modules in GRUB.

If the issue continues, further troubleshooting such as modifying BIOS/UEFI settings or ensuring hardware compatibility may be necessary. With the support of Bobcares’ server management services, we have successfully resolved this issue for many clients, ensuring minimal disruption to system performance and a seamless boot process.