chkconfig Command Examples for Red Hat and CentOS

Reading Time: < 1 minute

chkconfig is a command for checking and updating runlevel information for system services. For a primer on runlevels, check out our tutorial: Linux Runlevels Explained.

Pre-Flight Check
  • These instructions are intended specifically for checking and updating chkconfig.
  • I’ll be working from both a Liquid Web Core Managed CentOS 7 server, and I’ll be logged in as root.

View Full List of Services Using chkconfig

chkconfig --list

View Full List of Services That Start at Boot (Normally, Runlevel 3)

chkconfig --list | grep 3:on

Turn On a Service for the Default Run Levels (2,3,4,5)

chkconfig httpd on

Turn Off a Service for the Default Run Levels (2,3,4,5)

chkconfig httpd off

Turn On a Service for a Selected Run Level

chkconfig --level 3 httpd on

It is also possible to combine multiple levels into one command:

chkconfig --level 35 httpd on

Turn Off a Service for a Selected Run Level

chkconfig --level 3 httpd off

It is also possible to combine multiple levels into one command:

chkconfig --level 35 httpd off

Avatar for J. Mays

About the Author: J. Mays

As a previous contributor, JMays shares his insight with our Knowledge Base center. In our Knowledge Base, you'll be able to find how-to articles on Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora and much more!

Latest Articles

Blocking IP or whitelisting IP addresses with UFW

Read Article

CentOS Linux 7 end of life migrations

Read Article

Use ChatGPT to diagnose and resolve server issues

Read Article

What is SDDC VMware?

Read Article

Best authentication practices for email senders

Read Article