Home/ Questions/Q 4327
Next
In Process

askthedev.com Latest Questions

Asked: 2024-09-24T21:17:01+05:30 In:

What are the steps to include a kernel boot parameter when starting up Ubuntu?

I recently ran into a bit of a hiccup while trying to configure my Ubuntu system, and I’m hoping someone here can lend me a hand. So here’s the deal: I’ve been reading up about kernel boot parameters and their importance, especially for tweaking system performance or troubleshooting issues on boot.

The thing is, I know that you can add specific parameters to the kernel, but I’m super confused about the steps to actually get that done when I start up my Ubuntu machine. I remember trying to do something similar a while back, but I ended up messing with my GRUB settings and couldn’t boot into my system at all! That was a total nightmare, and I don’t want to go down that road again.

So, if you were in my shoes, where would you even begin? I’ve heard something about holding down the Shift key while booting up to bring up the GRUB menu, but then what? Like, once I’m in that menu, what do I do next? I’m really looking for a step-by-step guide here because I don’t want to end up with a non-functional system again.

I’m particularly interested in parameters related to graphics drivers because I’ve been having some issues with my display not being detected correctly. But, honestly, any good tips on general parameters would be great too. Do I need to make changes every time I boot up, or is there a way to make these changes permanent?

And, speaking of permanence, how do I make sure that my changes stick for future boots? I mean, I can see a world where I forget the steps and find myself troubleshooting again down the line.

If you could detail your experience or offer any resources or links that could help me out, I’d really appreciate it. Let’s just say, I’m all ears and ready to learn. Thanks a ton in advance!

Share

    Leave an answer

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    2 Answers



    1. Kernel Boot Parameters Guide for Ubuntu

      How to Set Kernel Boot Parameters on Ubuntu

      If you’re trying to tweak your Ubuntu system or fix boot issues, kernel boot parameters can really be helpful! Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you step by step.

      Accessing the GRUB Menu

      First things first, when you start your computer, hold down the Shift key. This should bring up the GRUB menu. If you’re using UEFI, you might have to tap Esc during boot instead. This is your control center!

      Editing Kernel Parameters

      Once you see the GRUB menu, locate the line that starts with Ubuntu or Advanced options for Ubuntu.

      1. Highlight the line you want to edit using the arrow keys.
      2. Press e to edit the boot parameters.
      3. Look for the line that starts with linux, which should end with quiet splash.
      4. Remove quiet splash and add your desired parameters. Example for graphics issues might be nomodeset.

      Booting with Parameters

      After adding your desired parameters, press F10 or Ctrl + X to boot with those settings.

      Making Changes Permanent

      If everything works fine and you want these changes to be permanent:

      1. Boot into your system normally.
      2. Open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
      3. Edit the GRUB configuration file by running: sudo nano /etc/default/grub.
      4. Look for the line that starts with GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT and add your parameters inside the quotes.
      5. For example: GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash nomodeset".
      6. Save and exit (if using nano, it’s Ctrl + O to save and Ctrl + X to exit).
      7. Finally, update GRUB with: sudo update-grub.

      Final Thoughts

      Now you’re equipped to experiment with kernel boot parameters! Just be careful with what you add, especially since they can affect system performance and stability. If you’re ever in doubt, it might help to look up specific parameters online or check out the Ubuntu community page on GRUB2. Happy tinkering!



    2. To modify kernel boot parameters in Ubuntu, start by rebooting your system and holding down the Shift key immediately after the BIOS screen. This will bring up the GRUB menu. With the GRUB menu displayed, use the arrow keys to highlight the desired kernel entry (usually the first one) and press the e key to edit it. You’ll see a list of commands; scroll down to the line that starts with linux. At the end of this line, you can append your desired parameters, such as nomodeset or others for graphics troubleshooting. Once you’ve made your changes, press Ctrl + X or F10 to boot with those parameters temporarily for that session.

      If you find that the parameters work well and you want to make them permanent, you’ll need to edit the GRUB configuration file. Boot into your system as usual, open a terminal, and type sudo nano /etc/default/grub. Look for the line GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=”….” and add your parameters there within the quotes. Once edited, save the file by pressing Ctrl + O, then Enter, and exit with Ctrl + X. Finally, run sudo update-grub to apply your changes. This will ensure that your kernel parameters are applied every time you boot your system, and you can avoid the hassle of having to enter them manually each time.


    Related Questions