How to change the default boot target

Topic: Servers linux

Set the default systemd target (multi-user vs graphical) with systemctl set-default so the system boots to the desired run level. Use this when converting a desktop install to headless, or to force graphical or console-only boot.

Intent: How-to

Quick answer

  • systemctl get-default shows current default; systemctl set-default multi-user.target sets default to console (no GUI); systemctl set-default graphical.target for desktop.
  • Change takes effect at next boot; to switch immediately without reboot use systemctl isolate multi-user.target (stops graphical services).
  • On servers prefer multi-user.target to save resources and reduce attack surface; use graphical only when you need a local desktop.

Prerequisites

Steps

  1. Check current default

    systemctl get-default; typically graphical.target or multi-user.target. list-units --type=target shows active targets.

  2. Set default target

    sudo systemctl set-default multi-user.target (for headless server); or graphical.target. The default is written to /etc/systemd/system/default.target (symlink).

  3. Apply immediately (optional)

    sudo systemctl isolate multi-user.target switches to console now and stops graphical services; no reboot. Use with care on physical desktops (display will go black).

Summary

Set the default systemd boot target with systemctl set-default so the system boots to multi-user (console) or graphical. Use multi-user on servers to save resources; change takes effect at next boot unless you use isolate.

Prerequisites

Steps

Step 1: Check current default

systemctl get-default

Step 2: Set default target

sudo systemctl set-default multi-user.target

Or graphical.target for a desktop. Effective at next boot.

Step 3: Apply immediately (optional)

sudo systemctl isolate multi-user.target

Switches to that target now; use with care.

Verification

  • systemctl get-default shows the new target; after reboot the system starts in that target.

Troubleshooting

Still boots to GUI — Confirm default.target symlink: ls -l /etc/systemd/system/default.target. Isolate disconnects display — Expected when isolating to multi-user; use set-default and reboot if you only want the change on next boot.

Next steps

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