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SPECIFICTION
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systemd-boot

freedesktop.org

WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 6.9 #26 of 29 in Boot Manager Software

What it is

systemd-boot is a UEFI boot manager that runs configured EFI images. Its menu displays configured entries, and a default can be selected through a pattern or the on-screen menu. If no timeout is set and no key is pressed, it starts the default entry immediately. Configuration files, kernels, initrds, and other EFI images must be on the EFI System Partition. Linux kernels need CONFIG_EFI_STUB to run directly as EFI images. Entry files can specify a title, version, machine ID, EFI image, kernel options, Linux kernel, and initrd. Hotkeys can select Linux, Windows, macOS, the EFI Shell, or entries numbered 1 through 9. EFI variables store settings such as the default, preferred, one-shot entry, and menu timeout. The systemd project says bootctl can install systemd-boot to the EFI System Partition. The project is free and open source, with GPL-2.0 and LGPL-2.1 licenses listed in its public repository. Its stated firmware support is UEFI, not BIOS, and it supports multiboot.

Spec sheet

Purpose
systemd-boot is a UEFI boot manager that executes configured EFI images.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Security
The systemd repository says it has a security bug bounty program sponsored by the Sovereign Tech Fund and hosted on YesWeHack.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The systemd project lists its mailing list, IRC channel, and Matrix channel as support contacts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Boot assessment
The systemd boot assessment mechanism can track boot attempts and prioritize entries that have not exhausted their configured attempt counters.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Boot configuration
The loader configuration supports a default-entry pattern and a menu timeout, while entry files can specify a title, version, EFI image, kernel, initrd, and options.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Boot control
EFI variables can store the default entry, preferred entry, timeout, and one-shot entry selection.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Boot hotkeys
Menu hotkeys can directly select Linux, Windows, macOS, the EFI Shell, or entries numbered 1 through 9.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Boot menu
It selects a default entry by configured pattern or on-screen menu, and boots the default immediately when no timeout is configured and no key is pressed.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Default behavior
With no configured timeout and no key pressed during startup, systemd-boot executes the default entry immediately.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Download
The systemd project’s wiki lists GitHub releases and distribution package repositories as download sources for systemd.Read 8 Oct 2026 · wiki.freedesktop.org
EFI System Partition
Configuration files, kernels, initrds, and other EFI images must reside on the EFI System Partition.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
EFI variables
systemd-boot uses EFI variables for settings and state including the default entry, one-shot entry, menu timeout, and ESP partition UUID.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Entry configuration
Boot entries can specify a title, version, machine ID, EFI image, kernel options, Linux kernel, and initrd.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
ESP requirement
systemd-boot operates on the EFI System Partition (ESP), where its configuration files, kernels, initrds, and other EFI images must reside.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Kernel requirement
Linux kernels need CONFIG_EFI_STUB to be directly executed as EFI images by systemd-boot.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Linux kernel requirement
Linux kernels must be built with CONFIG_EFI_STUB to run directly as EFI images.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Management utility
The systemd project says bootctl can install systemd-boot to the EFI System Partition.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Other boot choices
The menu lists configured entries and documents hotkeys for Linux, Windows, macOS, and the EFI Shell.Read 8 Oct 2026 · systemd.io
Security program
The systemd project repository says it has a security bug bounty program sponsored by the Sovereign Tech Fund and hosted on YesWeHack.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Source and license
The systemd source repository lists GPL-2.0 and LGPL-2.1 licenses.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Source availability
The systemd repository is public and lists GPL-2.0 and LGPL-2.1 licenses.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source.
  • Supports multiboot and editable boot entries.
  • Default entry and timeout can be configured.
  • Hotkeys include Linux, Windows, macOS, and EFI Shell.

Limits

  • Boot files and related configuration must reside on the EFI System Partition.
  • Linux kernels need CONFIG_EFI_STUB for direct EFI execution.

Who it suits

systemd-boot suits people configuring a UEFI system with multiple boot choices and entries they want to edit. It is not suited to systems that rely on BIOS firmware.

Verdict

systemd-boot provides configurable entry selection for UEFI systems, including multiboot choices and one-shot selection. Its ESP and Linux kernel requirements are important setup constraints.

Where Specifiction places it

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