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Run targets, also known as runlevels or systemd targets, define the system’s state during different stages of operation. In traditional SysVinit systems, runlevels ranged from 0 to 6, each representing a different operational state. However, modern Linux distributions using systemd use targets for similar functionality. This blog post explains how to change the Default Run Target on Linux.
Table of contents
SysV vs systemd
SysV (System V init): An older init system that uses runlevels to define different modes of system operation. Each runlevel is a state that defines what system services are operating.
systemd: A modern init system and service manager that uses targets instead of runlevels. Targets provide more flexibility and parallelization in booting processes.
Changing the Default Startup Target
Changing the default run target on most modern Linux distributions using systemd is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
Check the Current Default Target
systemctl get-defaultThis command will show the current default target, such as graphical.target or multi-user.target.
List Available Targets
systemctl list-units --type=targetThis command lists all available targets on your system.
Set the Default Target
To change the default target, use:
sudo systemctl enable TARGET_NAME
sudo systemctl set-default TARGET_NAMEFor example, to set the default target to multi-user (non-graphical), you would run:
sudo systemctl enable multi-user.target
sudo systemctl set-default multi-user.targetReboot the System
sudo rebootAfter rebooting, the system will start with the new default target.
Switching Default Startup Targets Temporarily
If you need to switch targets temporarily without changing the default, you can do so with:
sudo systemctl isolate TARGET_NAMEThis is useful for tasks like troubleshooting or maintenance.
Important Run / systemd targets
default.target
This is the target that is booted by default. This is a symbolic link to another target, like graphical.target.
emergency.target
Starts an emergency shell on the console. You can find it in your GRUB 2 menu or enter it at the boot prompt as systemd.unit=emergency.target.
graphical.target
Starts a system with networking, multiuser support, and a display manager.
halt.target
Shuts down the system.
multi-user.target
Starts a multiuser system with networking and no graphical environment.
reboot.target
Reboots the system.
rescue.target
Starts a single-user system without networking.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we explained how to change the systemd default run target for your Linux system. Have you tried changing run targets on your Linux system? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!
