How to switch between Graphical and Text-based Multiboot Menu in Windows 11

We all know that Windows offers two multi-boot menus, graphical and text-based. But many users stick with the default option and never try to switch between the graphical and text-based multiboot menu.

If this is your case, today we bring you a guide with the simple steps to switch between these two modes, so continue reading:

How to switch between Graphical and Text-based Multiboot Menu in Windows 11

Understanding the Multiboot Menu Options:

Graphical Boot Menu: This user-friendly interface employs icons or logos to represent the available operating systems. It often provides additional functionalities like timeout settings and customization options, resulting in a visually appealing experience. Navigation is possible with both mouse and keyboard.

Text-Based Boot Menu: This classic approach presents options in a plain text format, akin to the traditional boot setup. Users navigate this menu using the arrow keys on the keyboard.

Switching Between Display Modes:

While creating a system restore point beforehand offers an additional layer of security, it's generally not mandatory for this process.

Switching to Graphical Boot Menu:

Launch Command Prompt with Elevated Privileges:

Press the Windows Key + R combination to open the Run dialog.

Type cmd in the text field and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. This launches Command Prompt in administrator mode, granting the necessary permissions. Confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt if it appears.

Execute the Command:

Within the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard

Verify Successful Change:

A confirmation message stating "The operation completed successfully" should be displayed.

Restart Your System:

Close the Command Prompt window and initiate a system reboot.

Switching to Text-Based Boot Menu:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Follow steps 1a and 1b from the previous section to launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges.

Execute the Command:

Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy

Verify Successful Change:

A confirmation message should appear, indicating "The operation completed successfully."

Restart Your System:

Close the Command Prompt window and reboot your computer.

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With these steps outlined, you can effectively control the display mode of the Start menu in Windows 11, adapting it to your preferences. The text-based menu may offer slightly faster startup times, while the graphical menu provides a more user-friendly interface.