Linux is fast, flexible, and powerful—but like any operating system, it’s not immune to the occasional hiccup.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been using Linux for a while, you’re bound to run into a few common issues. The good news? Most of them are easy to fix once you know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 common Linux problems and how to troubleshoot them—without panic, confusion, or a full reinstall.
1. “Command Not Found”
❌ Problem:
You try to run a command, but get:
command: command not found
✅ Solution:
- The program might not be installed.
- Install it using your package manager:
sudo apt install package-name # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install package-name # Fedora
sudo pacman -S package-name # Arch
If it is installed, make sure the binary is in your $PATH.
2. Can’t Mount USB Drive or External Storage
❌ Problem:
You plug in a USB drive, but it doesn’t show up or mount.
✅ Solution:
- Check if it’s detected:
lsblk
- Mount it manually:
sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt
- If permissions are the issue, use:
sudo chown $USER:$USER /mnt
Or install a tool like disks or GParted for a GUI.
3. No Internet Connection
❌ Problem:
You’re connected to Wi-Fi but can’t browse the web.
✅ Solution:
- Check IP:
ip a
- Restart networking:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
- Ping a site:
ping google.com
If ping works but DNS fails, try updating /etc/resolv.conf with:
nameserver 8.8.8.8
4. No Sound
❌ Problem:
Your speakers or headphones aren’t working.
✅ Solution:
- Open sound settings and ensure the correct output device is selected.
- Restart sound service:
pulseaudio -k
pulseaudio –start
- Still nothing? Try:
sudo alsamixer
Use arrow keys to raise volume and unmute.
5. “Permission Denied” Errors
❌ Problem:
You try to run a script or command and see:
Permission denied
✅ Solution:
- Make the file executable:
chmod +x filename.sh
- Or use
sudoif elevated privileges are required:
sudo command
6. Black Screen After Boot
❌ Problem:
System boots but you get a black screen or blinking cursor.
✅ Solution:
- Try switching to a TTY: Press
Ctrl + Alt + F3, log in, and check logs:
journalctl -xe
- Reinstall or change graphics drivers:
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
On Arch/Fedora, search for proprietary NVIDIA drivers or use open-source alternatives like nouveau.
7. Package Errors or Broken Updates
❌ Problem:
Installing or updating packages throws errors.
✅ Solution:
For Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt update
sudo apt –fix-broken install
For Arch:
sudo pacman -Syu
Clear the package cache if needed:
sudo apt clean
8. App Won’t Launch
❌ Problem:
Clicking an app does nothing—or it crashes.
✅ Solution:
- Try launching it from the terminal to see error output:
appname
- Check missing dependencies or corrupt configs.
- Reset settings by deleting the config folder:
rm -rf ~/.config/appname
9. Can’t Install Software
❌ Problem:
You try to install something and get errors or missing dependencies.
✅ Solution:
- Update your repositories:
sudo apt update
- Add missing PPAs (for Ubuntu-based):
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:some/ppa
sudo apt update
- Use Flatpak or Snap if the package isn’t in your main repos:
flatpak install flathub appname
snap install appname
10. System Feels Slow
❌ Problem:
Your Linux system is sluggish.
✅ Solution:
- Check RAM and CPU usage:
top
- Kill heavy processes:
kill PID
- Disable startup apps: Use tools like
gnome-session-propertiesorsystemctl:
systemctl disable service-name
- Use a lighter desktop (XFCE, LXQt) for older machines.
Bonus: Useful Tools for Troubleshooting
journalctl– View system logsdmesg– Kernel messages (hardware issues)htop– Better process monitorstrace– Debug why a program isn’t startingglxinfo– Check GPU/graphics info
Linux gives you control, but with great power comes occasional “why isn’t this working?” moments. The trick is not to panic—just break the problem down, check the logs, search the error, and learn as you go.
You’ll get more comfortable with troubleshooting every time—and before long, you’ll be solving issues like a pro.
