Use systemd's isolate to jump the system into another target quickly and safely. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 2 min Want to drop to a non-graphical multi-user session or move a server into rescue mode without rebooting? Use `systemctl isolate` to start the specified target and stop units that are not required by it; this gives an immediate runlevel-like switch under systemd and is ideal for maintenance and recovery. Hands-on example Try this on a test machine and watch the transition happen; output will vary by distribution: ```bash $ systemctl get-default graphical.target $ sudo systemctl isolate multi-user.target Stopped display-manager.service. Stopped graphical-session.target. Started getty@tty1.service. $ systemctl list-units --type=target --state=active multi-user.target loaded active active Multi-User System ``` This command moved the machine from the graphical runlevel to a console multi-user runlevel immediately. When to pick isolate Use `isolate` for immediate, non-persistent switches: drop to `rescue.target` for repair, to `multi-user.target` for headless operation, or to `emergency.target` in severe cases; do not use `isolate` when you want the change to survive a reboot, in which case run `systemctl set-default` instead, and remember that `isolate` will stop services that are not dependencies of the target and can terminate user processes. Helpful related commands Check available targets with `systemctl list-units --type=target`, inspect dependencies with `systemctl list-dependencies <target>`, confirm the current default with `systemctl get-default`, and persist a choice with `systemctl set-default <target>`; use `runlevel` or `telinit` only on legacy SysV systems. Safety notes and tips Run `isolate` in a console or via a remote session you can recover from, because switching targets can stop network or display services; test on a non-production host first, and combine `list-dependencies` with `systemctl status` to preview what will start and stop. Next steps Mastering `systemctl isolate` gives direct control over the boot and service state; practice mapping runlevels to targets and automate safe transitions with scripts to make maintenance predictable, and consider studying for CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 with intensive exam prep at bitsandbytes.academy to deepen your Linux skills. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. boot-process utilities processes troubleshooting
