how to restart nomachine server from command line

3 min read 01-01-2025

how to restart nomachine server from command line

NoMachine provides a robust and efficient remote access solution. However, like any software, it might require a restart occasionally. Knowing how to restart your NoMachine server from the command line is a valuable skill for system administrators and power users, enabling quick troubleshooting and streamlined server management. This guide details how to accomplish this on various operating systems.

Understanding NoMachine Server Processes

Before diving into the commands, it's crucial to understand what processes are involved. The exact process names might vary slightly depending on your NoMachine version and operating system, but they generally revolve around nxserver. Knowing this helps you verify the server's status and ensure you're targeting the correct process for restarting.

Restarting NoMachine Server: OS-Specific Commands

The methods for restarting the NoMachine server differ based on your operating system. Below are instructions for the most common systems.

Linux (Most Distributions)

On most Linux distributions, you'll likely find the NoMachine server managed by systemd. The following commands offer a robust and reliable method:

Check the NoMachine Server Status:
```
sudo systemctl status nxserver
```
This command displays the current status of the nxserver service. If it's not running, you'll see a message indicating so.
Restart the NoMachine Server:
```
sudo systemctl restart nxserver
```
This command gracefully stops and then restarts the NoMachine server service.
Alternative using service (less common now): Some older systems or distributions might still utilize the older service command:
```
sudo service nxserver restart
```
However, systemctl is the preferred and more modern approach.

macOS

macOS doesn't use systemd. NoMachine on macOS usually runs as a background process. While there's no direct command-line equivalent to systemctl restart, you can achieve a similar effect by stopping and then starting the server using the NoMachine application itself. The command-line method isn't as clean-cut on macOS, but checking the process status is still relevant:

Check NoMachine processes (using Activity Monitor): The best way to monitor and manage the NoMachine server process on macOS is via the Activity Monitor application, which can be accessed through Spotlight search or in the Utilities folder. Look for processes related to "NX." Stopping these manually requires care; improper termination could corrupt settings.
Restart via the Application: The most reliable way to restart on macOS is through the application itself; relaunching the NoMachine client effectively restarts the server component.

Windows

Similar to macOS, Windows doesn't have a direct equivalent to systemctl. Restarting the NoMachine server on Windows typically involves using the services management tool:

Open the Services Manager: Search for "services" in the Windows search bar and open the Services application.
Locate the NoMachine Server: Find the "NoMachine NX Server" service in the list.
Restart the Service: Right-click on the service and select "Restart." This restarts the NoMachine server.

Alternatively, you can use the command line with sc:

sc stop "NoMachine NX Server"
sc start "NoMachine NX Server"

Remember to replace "NoMachine NX Server" with the exact name of the service if it differs on your system.

Troubleshooting

If the commands above don't work, consider the following:

Verify Installation: Ensure NoMachine is properly installed and configured.
Permissions: Make sure you have the necessary administrative privileges (sudo on Linux) to run these commands.
Service Name: Double-check the exact name of the NoMachine server service; it might vary slightly depending on your version.
Log Files: Examine NoMachine's log files for error messages; they are usually located in the NoMachine installation directory.

By following these steps, you can efficiently restart your NoMachine server from the command line, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime. Remember to always consult the official NoMachine documentation for the most up-to-date instructions specific to your version and operating system.