Question 332 of 507
How to Use systemctl enable to Start a Service at Boot
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
# systemctl status sshd
● sshd.service - OpenSSH server daemon
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/sshd.service; disabled; vendor preset: disabled)
Active: active (running) since Mon 2025-03-10 14:23:45 UTC; 1h 30min ago
Main PID: 1234 (sshd)
CGroup: /system.slice/sshd.service
└─1234 /usr/sbin/sshd -D
# netstat -tlnp | grep :22
tcp 0 0 0.0.0.0:22 0.0.0.0:* LISTEN 1234/sshdAn administrator runs 'systemctl status sshd' and sees the output above. The administrator wants sshd to start automatically at boot. Which command should be used?
Quick Answer
The answer is `systemctl enable sshd`. This command creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directories, such as `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`, which tells systemd to automatically start the sshd service at boot. On the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator LFCS exam, this tests your understanding of systemd’s service management and the distinction between starting a service immediately with `systemctl start` and enabling it for persistent boot-time activation. A common trap is confusing `enable` with `start`; remember that `enable` sets the service to launch on future boots, while `start` runs it right now. For the LFCS, you must know that `systemctl enable` creates symlinks, not just toggles a flag. A helpful memory tip: think of "enable" as "make it permanent for every boot," like adding a program to your startup folder in a graphical desktop.
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse `systemctl start` (immediate runtime start) with `systemctl enable` (persistent boot-time start), leading candidates to choose Option C when the question explicitly asks for automatic startup at boot.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
systemctl enable sshd
The `systemctl enable sshd` command creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directories (e.g., `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`) so that the sshd service is started automatically at boot. This is the correct way to configure a service to start on boot in a systemd-based Linux distribution.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
systemctl reenable sshd
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid systemctl command; the correct command is 'enable'.
- ✗
systemctl mask sshd
Why it's wrong here
Masks the service, preventing it from starting.
- ✗
systemctl start sshd
Why it's wrong here
Starts the service now but does not enable autostart at boot.
- ✓
systemctl enable sshd
Why this is correct
Creates symlinks to enable the service to start at boot.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on LFCS
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A system administrator needs to ensure the Apache httpd service starts automatically on system boot. Which command should they use?
easy- ✓ A.systemctl enable httpd
- B.systemctl start httpd
- C.systemctl disable httpd
- D.systemctl reload httpd
Why A: The `systemctl enable httpd` command creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directories (typically `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`) to ensure the Apache httpd service starts automatically at boot time. This is the correct approach because `enable` configures the service to be started on system startup, whereas `start` only runs it immediately without affecting boot behavior.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LFCS exam.
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