Linux Tutorial Tutorial 182 views 12 minute read

bash: systemctl: command not found – How to Fix This Common Linux Error

Sharwat Shafin June 30, 2025

If you’ve ever run into the error:

bash: systemctl: command not found…

while trying to manage a service in your Linux VPS or server, you’re not alone. This is one of the most commonly encountered Linux command-line errors, especially by users working with minimal server distributions or Docker containers.

In this article, we’ll explore why the systemctl command might be missing and provide step-by-step solutions for various Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux.

Why You See This Error

The error appears when your Linux system does not have systemd installed or when systemctl is not available in your $PATH.

Common causes include:

Using a minimal OS image (like Ubuntu minimal, Alpine Linux, or containers)
Running a Linux container without systemd
systemd not installed or not properly linked
Using a distribution that uses an alternative init system like SysVinit or OpenRC

What the Error Means

This message means your system either doesn't use systemd, lacks the systemctl utility, or it isn't in your shell's PATH.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are some troubleshooting steps on how to install systemctl Linux and command not found issue:

Step 1: Verify if systemd is Installed

Run the following commands to check your init system:

ps -p 1 -o comm=

systemd --version

If it shows 'systemd', your system supports systemctl. If it's 'init', 'Upstart', or 'SysV', you may not be using systemd.

Step 2: Check Your PATH Environment Variable

If systemd is installed but the systemctl command isn’t found, check if your PATH environment variable includes the directory where systemctl resides:

echo $PATH

t should include /bin/, /usr/bin/, or /usr/local/bin/, as these directories typically contain systemctl. If not, add them to your PATH.

export PATH=$PATH:/usr/bin/

Step 3: Install or Reinstall systemd

If systemd is not installed and your distribution supports it, install it using your package manager. Here’s how to fix systemd not found on some of the major Linux distributions:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install systemd-sysv

For CentOS/Fedora:

sudo yum install systemd

Minimal Environments & WSL

Minimal Docker or cloud images may lack systemd.
WSL1 doesn't support systemctl. Use WSL2 instead.

Alternatives if You Don't Use Systemd

If you're on older systems like CentOS 6, use:

sudo service  start

How Our VPS Can Help

Linux Ryzen VPS: Full root access to install systemd.
Xeon VPS: Pre-installed systemd for production environments.

FAQ

What if which systemctl returns nothing?

It’s likely not installed or not in your PATH.

Can I use service instead?

Yes, on non-systemd systems.

Why doesn’t WSL1 support systemctl?

WSL1 lacks a real init system. Upgrade to WSL2.

Common Questions About the “systemctl Not Found” Error

If you're using our "systemctl: command not found" error, here are other related problems and questions Linux users often search:

Fix systemctl not found Ubuntu 22.04 - This error usually happens when you're using a minimal install or WSL where systemd is missing.
Systemctl command missing CentOS - If you're on CentOS 6 or using a Docker container, systemd may not be present by default.
How to install systemctl on Linux - You can typically restore systemctl by installing systemd: sudo apt install systemd or yum install systemd.
Alternative to systemctl on Debian - Use service or init commands if systemd is not supported.
Systemctl not found error fix - Follow the full guide above to solve this issue across multiple Linux distributions.

If you're using our Linux Ryzen VPS or Xeon VPS, this error may appear on minimal images. Our team pre-installs systemd in standard OS templates to avoid this issue.