Update failed or desktop won’t start
Choose recovery steps based on how far the system can still boot.
Based on public documentation; not hardware-tested. Match the instructions to your version and hardware.
Identify the failure stage
Section titled “Identify the failure stage”The updater stopped, but the desktop works. Save the first error and check whether it describes network access, disk space, package signatures, or a conflict. Do not delete package locks or force package removal without understanding the active transaction.
The system boots, but the desktop does not. Record what appears before the failure. If you can reach a text console, sign in with your own account and collect recent errors:
journalctl -b -p err --no-pagerThe machine does not reach the normal boot menu. Check the firmware boot selection and use the installation-specific recovery documentation. Desktop commands are not useful until you have an environment in which to run them.
Use a known recovery point
Section titled “Use a known recovery point”If you have the documented Limine snapshot setup, follow the official snapshot restoration instructions for a point before the failed update. Check what snapshots do and do not restore first.
Verify before updating again
Section titled “Verify before updating again”Check boot, networking, and the original failing application. Record the recovered version and the failing version. Seek a version-specific explanation before repeating the same update.