Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix Error 28 Error – GRUB: Error 28: Selected item cannot fit into memory

GRUB error 28: Selected item cannot fit into memory

Quick Answer: Reinstall GRUB and update the boot loader configuration.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The GRUB (Grand Unified Bootloader) Error 28: Selected item cannot fit into memory error occurs when the GRUB boot loader is unable to load the kernel image due to insufficient memory. This issue affects users who have recently upgraded or replaced their operating system, installed new software, or modified their system configuration.

This error can be frustrating because it prevents the user from accessing the GRUB menu, making it difficult to select an alternative boot option or troubleshoot the issue. However, by following these steps, you should be able to resolve the problem and get your system up and running again.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that the GRUB configuration file has become corrupted or outdated, causing it to fail when trying to load the kernel image. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as a failed boot process, incorrect GRUB configuration, or software conflicts.
  • Another possible cause is that the system's memory is insufficient to hold the required GRUB data structures. This could be due to a lack of RAM or a faulty system board.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Reinitializing the GRUB Boot Loader

  1. Step 1: Insert the repair USB drive and reboot your computer.
  2. Step 2: Immediately start typing commands in the GRUB command line interface, using the following syntax: `set root=(hd0,1)` (replace hd0,1 with the correct device path for your system's first hard drive). Press Enter to execute the command. This will reset the GRUB boot loader to its default configuration.
  3. Step 3: Next, type `update-grub` and press Enter to update the GRUB menu. If this fails, try `reboot` to restart the boot process.

Reinstalling the GRUB Boot Loader

  1. Step 1: Download the latest version of GRUB from a reputable source and create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
  2. Step 2: Insert the repair USB drive, reboot your computer, and immediately start typing commands in the GRUB command line interface. Type `set root=(hd0,1)` (replace hd0,1 with the correct device path for your system's first hard drive) to set the boot device, followed by `boot` to execute the command.

💡 Conclusion

If you have followed these steps and are still experiencing issues, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a qualified IT professional or manufacturer support. However, in most cases, reinitializing or reinstalling the GRUB boot loader should resolve the problem and allow your system to boot normally.

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