systemctl start Linux Command
Starts a systemd service immediately.
What does systemctl start do?
Starts a systemd service immediately.
Syntax
systemctl start service_namePractical example
sudo systemctl start apache2Questions about systemctl start
How do I start a service with systemctl?
Use `sudo systemctl start service_name` to start a service immediately. For example, `sudo systemctl start nginx` starts the web server.
How do I check if a service started successfully?
Use `systemctl status service_name` immediately after starting to verify it is active and running.
What is the difference between start and enable?
`start` runs the service now. `enable` makes it start automatically at boot. Use both to start now and persist across reboots.
How do I start a service without sudo?
You need root privileges to start system services. Use `sudo systemctl start service_name` or log in as root.
How do I start multiple services at once?
Use `sudo systemctl start service1 service2 service3` to start multiple services in a single command.
How do I see what a service depends on?
Use `systemctl list-dependencies service_name` to see what services must be started before this one.
How do I start a service and enable it at boot?
Use `sudo systemctl enable --now service_name` to both enable at boot and start immediately.
How do I troubleshoot a service that won't start?
Use `systemctl status service_name` and `journalctl -u service_name` to check status and logs for error messages.
Related Service Commands
journalctlQueries and displays logs from the systemd journal.
systemctl stopStops a running systemd service immediately.
serviceLegacy command to run SysV init scripts (works on both SysV and systemd).
systemctl restartStops and then starts a systemd service.
systemctl list-unitsLists all loaded and active systemd units (services, mounts, sockets, etc.).
systemctl enableEnables a service to start automatically at boot time.