Troubleshooting Boot Issues After Switching to Manjaro: A Guide for New Users

If you’ve recently transitioned from Windows 10 to Manjaro on an older PC, you might find yourself facing an unexpected boot issue. Many users report that their system requires two attempts to boot properly—a situation that can be both frustrating and perplexing.

The Booting Dilemma

After installing your new operating system, you may have noticed that upon initiating a shutdown or restarting the computer, the screen remains blank and unresponsive. In many cases, the initial boot process fails to display even the basic BIOS splash screen from Asus. This can leave you wondering if your setup was properly configured or if there’s an underlying hardware issue at play.

A Common Problem

This scenario isn’t rare among users transitioning to Manjaro, particularly from a Windows environment. The good news is that while it’s inconvenient, there are several steps you can undertake to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue.

Steps to Consider

1. Check BIOS Settings: Sometimes, the root of boot problems lies within the BIOS itself. Access your BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or a similar key during startup) and ensure that your boot order is configured correctly. Additionally, check for any settings related to fast boot or UEFI that may be affecting the boot process.

2. Inspect Hardware Components: Loose connections or a failing component can also lead to such issues. Ensure that all internal components, including RAM and storage drives, are securely connected.

3. Update BIOS Firmware: If your computer’s BIOS is outdated, it might not properly support newer operating systems. Consider checking the manufacturer’s website for any available updates to ensure compatibility.

4. Boot from Live USB: If you suspect that the installation might be faulty, try booting from a live USB version of Manjaro. This will help you determine if the issue persists outside your current installation.

5. Kernel Parameters: Sometimes, specific kernel parameters may need to be adjusted, particularly for older hardware. Consult the Manjaro forums or documentation for guidance on optimizing your kernel settings.

Seeking Further Help

If the issue continues after attempting these steps, consider visiting the Manjaro forums or seeking advice from communities like Reddit. Often, other users have encountered similar challenges and can provide insights or solutions based on their experiences.

Conclusion

While requiring two attempts to boot might be an annoyance, it doesn’t have to be the