systemctl-switch-root

Switch to real root filesystem

TLDR

Switch to new root filesystem

$ systemctl switch-root [/path/to/new_root]

Switch and run specific init

$ systemctl switch-root [/path/to/new_root] [/sbin/init]

Switch with verbose output

$ systemctl switch-root [/path/to/new_root] -v

SYNOPSIS

systemctl switch-root ROOT [INIT]

systemctl switch-root transitions the system from an initramfs to the real root filesystem and executes a new system manager. This is the final step of the boot process after the initramfs has set up the real root.This command is typically used internally by the initramfs to complete the boot process, not called manually.

PARAMETERS

-v, --verbose

Enable verbose output

ROOT

Path to the new root filesystem

INIT

Init binary to execute (default: systemd)

CAVEATS

Intended for initramfs use during boot. Incorrect use can render the system unbootable. The new root must contain a valid init system. All processes from the old root are terminated.

HISTORY

The switch-root subcommand formalizes the initramfs-to-real-root transition in systemd, replacing the traditional pivot_root operations.