system has not been booted with systemd as init system

3 min read 22-01-2025

This article addresses the error message "System has not been booted with systemd as init system," a problem encountered when using systemd as your system's initialization system. This error often prevents services from starting correctly and can lead to system instability. We'll explore the causes and provide solutions to get your system back online.

Understanding the Error: "System has not been booted with systemd as init system"

The error message clearly indicates that your system didn't use systemd during the boot process. Systemd is responsible for starting and managing all processes on many modern Linux distributions. Without it functioning properly, services fail to launch. This can manifest in various ways, from applications not starting to a complete system failure.

Several factors can contribute to this issue. Let's examine the most common causes:

Common Causes

Incorrect Bootloader Configuration: The bootloader (GRUB, GRUB2, etc.) might not be correctly configured to use systemd. This is a frequent cause, especially after manual bootloader edits or system upgrades.
Corrupted System Files: Damage to crucial system files, including systemd itself or its configuration files, can prevent it from functioning correctly. This can result from a power failure, a failed software update, or disk errors.
Incompatible Kernel Modules: Conflicts or missing kernel modules necessary for systemd can also prevent it from starting. This is less common but can arise after kernel updates or driver installations.
Hardware Issues: In rare cases, hardware problems (like a failing hard drive) can prevent the system from booting correctly, leading to this error.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

Let's explore potential solutions to resolve this error, progressing from the simplest to more involved methods.

1. Verify Bootloader Configuration

This is often the root cause. You'll need to check your bootloader's configuration to ensure it's properly set to boot with systemd.

How to check (GRUB2 example):

Boot your system into recovery mode (often by pressing Shift, Esc, or a function key during boot).
Access a shell prompt.
Use a text editor (like nano or vi) to open the GRUB configuration file (/etc/default/grub).
Look for the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT line. It should include systemd.unit=multi-user.target or a similar option specifying systemd.
If it’s missing or incorrect, add/correct it.
Save the file and update GRUB using sudo update-grub.
Reboot your system.

2. Check System Logs for Clues

Examining system logs can provide valuable insights into the cause of the error.

Use journalctl: This command displays systemd journal logs. Look for error messages related to systemd or its services during the boot process. The output may point directly to a problematic service or configuration file.
Check /var/log/boot.log (or similar): This log file contains information about the boot process. Scrutinize it for errors.

3. Repair System Files

If the problem isn't with the bootloader, corrupted system files may be at fault.

Boot into Recovery Mode: Follow the same steps as above to access a recovery shell.
Run a filesystem check: Use fsck to check and repair any filesystem errors (e.g., sudo fsck -y /). Be extremely cautious with this command; incorrect usage can cause further data loss. Ensure you are targeting the correct filesystem.

4. Reinstall systemd (Advanced)

As a last resort, consider reinstalling systemd. This is an advanced step and should only be attempted if other solutions have failed. Reinstalling systemd requires careful attention to detail to avoid further complications.

Warning: This is a risky operation and should only be undertaken with a thorough understanding of your system's configuration. A backup is strongly recommended before attempting this.

5. Investigate Hardware Issues

If none of the above works, it's possible that a hardware problem is preventing your system from booting. This could involve a failing hard drive, RAM issues, or other hardware malfunctions. Test your hardware using appropriate diagnostic tools.

Preventing Future Occurrences

Regular Backups: Maintaining regular backups is crucial. In case of system corruption, a backup allows for a quick and clean recovery.
Careful Software Updates: Apply software updates carefully, ensuring that the update process completes without errors.
Avoid Manual Bootloader Edits: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid manual edits to the bootloader configuration. Use the system's built-in tools for updating and managing the bootloader.

By systematically addressing these potential causes, you should be able to resolve the "System has not been booted with systemd as init system" error and get your system running smoothly again. Remember to consult your distribution's documentation for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.