systemctl-isolate
Switch to a specific target
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
systemctl isolate UNIT
DESCRIPTION
systemctl isolate starts the specified unit and its dependencies while stopping all other units not required by that unit. This is similar to changing runlevels in SysV init systems.
Units with `IgnoreOnIsolate=yes` are not stopped during isolation. The `.target` suffix is assumed if no extension is provided.
COMMON TARGETS
graphical.target - Full GUI environment
multi-user.target - Text-mode multi-user
rescue.target - Single-user rescue mode
emergency.target - Minimal emergency shell
CAVEATS
Only units marked as isolatable can be targets. This is a disruptive operation that stops most running services. Essential services (with IgnoreOnIsolate=yes) continue running.
HISTORY
The isolate subcommand provides runlevel-like behavior in systemd, allowing transitions between different system states while maintaining compatibility with the target-based boot model.
SEE ALSO
systemctl(1), systemctl-default(1), systemctl-rescue(1)
