genfstab

Generate the /etc/fstab file using volume UUIDs during an Arch Linux installation (requires root permissions)

$ genfstab -U [/mnt] >> [/mnt/etc/fstab]

$ genfstab -L [path/to/mount_point]

$ genfstab -U [path/to/mount_point]

$ genfstab -t [LABEL|UUID|PARTLABEL|PARTUUID]

$ genfstab -U [path/to/mount_point] | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab

genfstab [-h|-L|-U|-l|-p|-t] [-s PATH] [mountpoint]

-h, --help
    Display help message and exit

-L, --list
    List mounted filesystems instead of generating fstab

-U, --uuid
    Use UUIDs for devices (default)

-l, --label
    Use filesystem labels instead of UUIDs

-p, --proc
    Include /proc, /sys, and devtmpfs entries

-t, --tmpfs
    Include tmpfs mounts

-s PATH, --skip=PATH
    Skip generating entry for specified path

The genfstab command is a utility primarily used in Arch Linux installations to automatically generate the /etc/fstab file. It scans all currently mounted filesystems under a specified path (defaulting to /) and outputs corresponding fstab(5) entries.

By default, it identifies devices using UUIDs for greater reliability across kernel updates and hardware changes. This is crucial for boot configurations, as traditional /dev/sdX paths can vary.

During a typical Arch installation, after mounting the root filesystem and optional partitions (e.g., /boot, /home) to /mnt, users run genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab. This appends entries for all mounts under /mnt. Special filesystems like /proc, /sys, and tmpfs can be included optionally.

The tool lists filesystems instead of generating output with -L, aids verification. It must be run as root and the output reviewed manually, as it may include unwanted mounts (e.g., installation media). Skipping specific paths prevents erroneous entries.

While Arch-specific, its simplicity has made it popular in custom install scripts, promoting reproducible setups.

Arch Linux specific; run as root; always review generated /etc/fstab before rebooting, as it may include temporary mounts like installation media.

genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
Appends UUID-based entries for all filesystems mounted under /mnt to /etc/fstab.

Use genfstab -L /mnt first to preview filesystems before generating fstab.

Part of the arch-install-scripts package since around 2012, developed by Arch Linux developers to streamline manual installations by automating fstab generation from live mounts.

findmnt(8), lsblk(8), blkid(1), mount(8), fstab(5)