grub-install
install GRUB bootloader to a device
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
grub-install [options] device
DESCRIPTION
grub-install installs the GRUB bootloader to a disk device or EFI System Partition. The installation method differs between BIOS/legacy and UEFI systems.For BIOS systems, GRUB is installed to the Master Boot Record (MBR) or a BIOS Boot Partition on GPT disks. For UEFI systems, GRUB is installed to the EFI System Partition (ESP), and the --bootloader-id option sets the name shown in the UEFI boot menu.After installation, run grub-mkconfig to generate the configuration file.
PARAMETERS
--target PLATFORM
Installation target: i386-pc (BIOS), x86_64-efi, i386-efi, arm-efi--efi-directory DIR
EFI System Partition mount point--bootloader-id ID
Boot manager identifier in EFI menu--boot-directory DIR
Directory containing boot files (default: /boot)--modules MODULES
Pre-load specified GRUB modules--recheck
Delete device map and regenerate--removable
Install to removable media path--force
Install even if problems detected
INSTALL
CAVEATS
Requires root privileges. Incorrect installation can make system unbootable - have recovery media ready. UEFI installation requires the ESP to be mounted. Secure Boot may require signed GRUB binaries.
HISTORY
GRUB 2 grub-install replaced the older GRUB Legacy installation method around 2009. It supports modern features like GPT partition tables, UEFI, and modular design.
SEE ALSO
grub-mkconfig(8), grub-set-default(8), efibootmgr(8)
