How to list Services on Ubuntu Linux
You list services on Ubuntu Linux using the `systemctl list-units –type=service` command.
Services are background programs that keep your Ubuntu system running smoothly, handling everything from network connections to system updates. In modern Ubuntu versions, including Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and earlier, these are primarily managed by `systemd`, the system and service manager.
Using `systemctl` allows you to see exactly which services are active, inactive, or have failed. This is a crucial skill for diagnosing issues and understanding what’s running on your PC.
You list services on Ubuntu Linux using the `systemctl list-units –all –type=service` command. This command displays all active and inactive services managed by systemd. For older Ubuntu versions, use the `service –status-all` command.
About systemctl command:
The systemctl command is your main tool for managing services on Ubuntu Linux, letting you see what’s running and control them easily.
Previous versions of Ubuntu will use the service command to accomplish the same. Using both systemctl and service commands, you can list all services running, stopped, or disabled.
Syntax:
The syntax is the rule and format of how the systemctl command can be used. These syntax options can be reordered, but a straight format must be followed.
Below is an example syntax of how to use the systemctl command.
systemctl [OPTIONS.] {COMMAND} .Options:
The command line options are switches or flags that determine how the commands are executed or controlled. They modify the behavior of the commands. They are separated by spaces and followed after the commands.
Below are some options for the systemctl command:
| COMMAND. | Replace COMMAND.. with the name of the command service names. |
| -t –type=TYPE, –state=STATE | Use the -t or –type or –state=STATE to list units of a particular type of service state: Active, Inactive |
| -a –all | Use the -a or –all to show all properties/all units currently in memory, including dead/empty ones. To list all units installed on the system, use the ‘list-unit-files’ command instead. |
| -r –recursive | Use the -r or –recursive to show a unit list of host and local containers |
| –help | Display a help message and exit. |
Examples:
Below are some examples of how to run and use the systemctl on Ubuntu Linux.
Simply run the systemctl command to invoke it.
Starting and Stopping Services
To start or stop services using the systemctl command, run the commands below:
sudo systemctl start application.service
To stop:
sudo systemctl stop application.service
You can also reference the application name without the ending .service
Example:
sudo systemctl start application
Restarting and Reloading
Sometimes you need to restart a service to apply changes or reload its settings without stopping it completely.
sudo systemctl restart application.service
Or reload:
sudo systemctl reload application.service
Reloading a service only reloads configuration changes to a running service and won’t entirely restart the service. To fully restart a running service, you use the restart option.
Enabling and Disabling Services
You can choose whether a service starts automatically when your Ubuntu computer boots up or if it should stay off.
sudo systemctl enable application.service
Or disable:
sudo systemctl disable application.service
Check service status
To check the status of a service, you use the status option.
sudo systemctl status application.service
Listing all services:
Listing all services on your Ubuntu system shows you exactly which ones are running, stopped, or disabled.
systemctl list-units --all --type=service --no-pager
That should list all services and output a similar screen as below:
UNIT LOAD ACTIVE SUB DESCRIPTION accounts-daemon.service loaded active running Accounts Service acpid.service loaded active running ACPI event daemon alsa-restore.service loaded active exited Save/Restore Sound Card State alsa-state.service loaded inactive dead Manage Sound Card State (restore and store) anacron.service loaded inactive dead ..
To list all inactive services, you run the commands below:
sudo systemctl list-units --all --state=inactiveFor only active services:
sudo systemctl list-units --all --state=inactiveWhen you run systemctl with the –help option, you’ll see the help text below:
systemctl [OPTIONS.] {COMMAND} .
Query or send control commands to the systemd manager.
-h --help Show this help
--version Show package version
--system Connect to system manager
--user Connect to user service manager
-H --host=[USER@]HOST
units installed on
.
Previous versions of Ubuntu using the service can use the commands below:
sudo service --status-all
That’s it!
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to use the systemctl to manage and list services on Ubuntu.
You may also like the commands below:
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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