Restarting a Linux server is a routine yet crucial task. Whether you’re applying system updates, troubleshooting issues, or freeing up system resources, knowing how to safely reboot your server ensures smooth and efficient operation.

This guide walks you through multiple reliable ways to restart a Linux server using various commands and methods.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, make sure you have:

  • A Linux-based system (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04)
  • Terminal access
  • Root or sudo privileges
  • SSH client (for remote access)

Method 1: Using the reboot Command

The easiest way to restart a Linux server is by using the built-in reboot command.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

You can access the terminal in two ways:

  • Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Alt + T
  • Menu: Search for “Terminal” in your application menu and open it

To connect to a remote server, use SSH:

ssh username@your_server_ip

Replace username and your_server_ip with your actual credentials.

Or

reboot-the-server

Step 2: Run the Reboot Command

Once inside the terminal, run:

sudo reboot

This will prompt you for your password. Upon confirmation, the system will begin restarting.

Step 3: Wait for the Reboot

The server will shut down and boot up again. Depending on your system’s hardware and configuration, the reboot may take a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Method 2: Using the shutdown Command

Another common method is to use the shutdown command with the -r flag (for reboot):

sudo shutdown -r now

This instructs the system to restart immediately. You’ll again need to provide your password if using sudo.

Method 3: Using the init Command (For Older Systems)

On older Linux distributions that use the SysVinit system, you can use the init command:

sudo init 6

This command sends the system to runlevel 6, which initiates a reboot.

Method 4: Using systemctl (For Modern Systems)

Most modern Linux distributions use systemd as their init system. To restart using systemctl, run:

sudo systemctl reboot

This is the preferred method on systems like Ubuntu 20.04+ and CentOS 7+.

Conclusion

Restarting a Linux server is a simple but essential task for maintaining optimal performance. Whether you’re using reboot, shutdown, init, or systemctl, knowing these commands gives you greater control over your server environment.

Looking to explore more? Learn how to manage services individually with commands like systemctl start, stop, and restart.

FAQs

Q: How can I restart a Linux server from the terminal?
A: Use sudo reboot or sudo shutdown -r now.

Q: Do I need sudo access to reboot the server?
A: Yes, most reboot commands require root or sudo privileges.

Q: Can I reboot a remote server?
A: Yes, connect using SSH: ssh username@your_server_ip, then run the reboot command.

Q: What does init 6 do?
A: It reboots the system using legacy SysVinit runlevels. Use only on older systems.

Q: How long does a Linux server take to restart?
A: Usually a few minutes, depending on hardware and system load.

Q: Is frequent restarting harmful?
A: No, occasional reboots can help refresh system resources, though it’s best to schedule them during low-traffic periods.

Q: Can I automate server restarts?
A: Yes, use cron jobs or systemd timers for scheduled reboots.

Q: What if the server doesn’t come back online?
A: Access the server via a hosting console or recovery mode to check logs and troubleshoot.

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