Read the article to learn more on troubleshooting “grub error: you need to load the kernel first.” At Bobcares, we assist our customers with several queries on a daily basis as part of our Server Management Services.

What Causes the “You need to load the kernel first” Grub Error?

Stuck with the “GRUB error: you need to load the kernel first” message? Worry no more!

 

 

 

 

Today, we will take a look at the different causes behind this error and how to resolve them in no time.

1. An incorrect configuration of the kernel

The most frequent reason for this issue is that the GRUB setup is not loading the correct kernel. This may occur when the GRUB configuration is not updated correctly following a kernel upgrade, the kernel files are missing, or the kernel files are located in the incorrect directory.

2. Problems with Secure Boot

Problems with Secure Boot may be another reason. The GRUB bootloader might not be able to load the kernel if Secure Boot is enabled. This issue is frequently resolved by disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS.

3. Issues with Partition or Disk

Disk or partition issues may be the cause of this error. GRUB will not be able to load the kernel if the root partition or the partition holding the kernel files is not recognized or mounted correctly.

4. Poor Installation or Upgrade

This issue may also arise from an interrupted or incomplete operating system installation or update. In some situations, the kernel may not load successfully because the system may be partially damaged.

5. Wrong GRUB Configuration

Issues like incorrect grub.cfg paths or UUID mismatches after kernel or partition changes can also cause this error.

6. Missing or Corrupted Kernel

Failed updates or manual deletions can corrupt or remove /boot/vmlinuz or initrd files.

7. Incorrect Root or Boot Partition

If the system points to the wrong disk or partition, GRUB fails to load the kernel correctly.

8. Bootloader Not Properly Installed

A misinstalled bootloader can be caused by UEFI/BIOS mismatches, incorrect disk targeting, or missing boot files.

Solution 1: Load Kernel Manually from GRUB Rescue

When we land in the `grub-rescue>` prompt:

1. First, identify the correct partition:

   
   set
   ls
   Copy Code
2. Then, set the GRUB root and prefix:

   
   set prefix=(hd0,gpt2)/boot/grub
   set root=(hd0,gpt2)
   insmod normal
   normal
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3. Now, load the kernel manually:

      insmod linux
   linux /vmlinuz root=/dev/sda2
   initrd /initrd.img
   boot
   Copy Code

   Remember to replace `/dev/sda2` and `gpt2` with the actual root partition and format (e.g., `msdos` if not GPT).
4. Then, check if Secure Boot is enabled:

   mokutil –sb-stateCopy Code

   If it’s on, try disabling it in BIOS settings. Many users have resolved the error just by turning off Secure Boot.

Solution 2: Fix GRUB Configuration from Live Boot

If we are unable to boot normally, use a Linux live USB:

1. First, identify the Linux partition:

   
   ls
   ls (hd1,6)/
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2. Then, load kernel and initrd:

   
   linux (hd1,6)/boot/vmlinuz root=/dev/sda6
   initrd (hd1,6)/boot/initrd.img
   boot
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3. Once inside Linux:

   sudo update-grub
   sudo grub-install /dev/sda
   Copy Code

FAQs

Q. How do I know which partition Linux is installed on?

At the GRUB prompt, use the command:

bash
CopyEdit
lsCopy Code

Then try:

bash
CopyEdit
ls (hdX,Y)/Copy Code

Then, look for the partition containing familiar directories like /boot, /etc, or /home.

Q. How do I fix GRUB loading?

Use a live USB and install Boot-Repair:

bash
CopyEdit
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
sudo apt update
sudo apt install boot-repair
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Q. How do I fix GRUB rescue error in Linux?

Go to the GRUB terminal, then use set to view variables. After that, use ls to identify partitions. Now, load the kernel and boot manually as shown in Solution 1.

Q. How to set the default kernel in GRUB?

We can use the following command to set the default kernel in GRUB:

sudo grubby --set-default /boot/vmlinuz-versionCopy Code

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Conclusion

By following the steps provided by our Experts, we should be able to resolve the issue and boot the Linux system successfully.