Windows msconfig boot equivalent in Linux
Shows the default systemd target.
msconfig boot
systemctl get-default
systemctl get-default
systemctl get-default
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "msconfig boot" is used to show default boot target. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "systemctl get-default". Shows the default systemd target. This reference is grouped under System & Storage → Boot.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows msconfig boot maps to systemctl get-default for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux disks, storage and mounts.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Show default boot target
Shows the default systemd target.
systemctl get-default
Show default boot target
systemctl --help
Show command help when supported
man systemctl
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
systemctl get-default
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: msconfig boot
systemctl get-defaultReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
systemctl get-default | Show default boot target |
systemctl --help | Show command help when supported |
man systemctl | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "systemctl get-default" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | systemctl get-default |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | systemctl get-default |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | systemctl get-default |
Same command on this distribution. |
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