Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Long Term Support) is a popular Linux distribution, cherished for its robustness and reliability. However, some users have encountered a frustrating issue: the system freezes during boot-up, impeding access to the operating system. This article aims to shed light on the possible causes of the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS boot freezing issue and provide solutions.
1. Overview of the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Boot Freezing Issue
The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS boot freezing issue primarily affects users with specific hardware configurations, such as the one provided in the question: an Intel Core i5-7200U processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM (limited to 2133MHz), a 1TB WD PC SN730 NVMe SSD (boot drive), a 1TB Toshiba HDD, and Intel HD Graphics 620 motherboard. Understanding the problem's root cause often boils down to a compatibility issue or a misconfiguration.
2. Identifying Potential Causes
2.1. Incompatible Kernel Modules
In some cases, the kernel modules loaded during boot might be incompatible with the hardware. These modules can be updated or
blacklisted to prevent loading during boot. A list of kernel modules can be found in the
/lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers directory.
2.2. Insufficient Power Supply
In systems with multiple hard drives, the power supply might be insufficient, leading to boot issues. Users should ensure their power supply unit can support all connected drives. Moreover, some NVMe SSDs might require additional power connectors.
2.3. File System Corruption
File system corruption can cause boot freezing. Running a file system check (fsck) can help identify and resolve such issues:
sudo fsck /dev/sdX2.4. Graphics Driver Issues
Intel HD Graphics 620 drivers can cause boot freezing, especially if the open-source drivers are outdated or unstable. Installing proprietary drivers might resolve such incompatibility issues.
3. Troubleshooting Steps
3.1. Check Power Supply and Connections
Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, verify that your system's power supply is sufficient to handle all connected drives. Double-check all power connections, especially NVMe SSDs requiring external power connectors.
3.2. Update and Upgrade the System
Regularly updating and upgrading the system is crucial. This ensures your system has the latest kernel and driver updates, mitigating many compatibility issues.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
3.3. Disable Suspend and Hibernate
Occasionally, suspend and hibernate features can interfere with the boot process. Disabling them can help alleviate this issue:
sudo systemctl mask sleep.target suspend.target hibernate.target hybrid-sleep.target
3.4. Investigate Kernel Modules
Inspect the loaded kernel modules, blacklisting any suspicious or potentially incompatible ones. Modules can be blacklisted in the
/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf file.
3.5. Install Proprietary Drivers (For Intel HD Graphics 620)
Users can install proprietary drivers for their Intel HD Graphics 620 using the following command:
sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-intel
4. Summary
The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS boot freezing issue can stem from compatibility problems or hardware limitations. By checking the power supply, updating the system, disabling suspend and hibernate, investigating and blacklisting kernel modules, and installing proprietary graphics drivers where necessary, users can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of boot freezing.
5. References
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"Linux Kernel Module Parameters." Kernel.org
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"File System Check (fsck)." ArchLinux Wiki
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"Intel Graphics Drivers for Linux." 01.org