LILO Bootloader: Legacy Notes

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LILO was an important Linux bootloader, but it is now a historical technology on most modern distributions. Current Linux systems normally use GRUB 2, systemd-boot, or firmware-managed UEFI boot entries instead.

Why this old advice should not be followed directly

Older LILO workflows involved writing bootloader data directly to disk after configuration changes. Reusing those instructions on a modern UEFI system can make recovery harder and is rarely appropriate.

What to use now

  • Use GRUB 2 tools when the distribution uses GRUB.
  • Use bootctl for systems configured with systemd-boot.
  • Check UEFI entries with efibootmgr where appropriate.
  • Keep live or rescue media available before changing boot configuration.

This page is retained as a legacy bootloader note rather than a current LILO installation guide.

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