How to Install Gnome GUI on CentOS 9 Using DNF Group Install

CentOS 9 and many Linux distributions have options to install minimal, GUI and others and minimal installation restrict resource utilization. However, if minimal installation done while installation and GUI can be installed later.

[root@linuxcnf ~]# cat /etc/centos-release CentOS Stream release 9 [root@linuxcnf ~]#

 

This article describes How to Install Gnome GUI Desktop on CentOS 9 on top of minimal installation.

 

Step 1. Package Group List: Run the following command to check package group list for Gnome GUI packages installation on CentOS 9:

 

[root@linuxcnf ~]# dnf grouplist Last metadata expiration check: 3:49:03 ago on Tue 14 Feb 2023 02:36:14 PM IST. Available Environment Groups:    Server with GUI    Server    Workstation ……………………. [root@linuxcnf ~]#

 

Step 2. Package installation: Run the following commands to install “Server with GUI” group packages:

 

[root@linuxcnf ~]# dnf groupinstall "Server with GUI" ……………….   yelp-2:40.3-2.el9.x86_64   yelp-libs-2:40.3-2.el9.x86_64   yelp-tools-40.0-3.el9.noarch   yelp-xsl-40.2-1.el9.noarch   zenity-3.32.0-8.el9.x86_64   zip-3.0-33.el9.x86_64   Complete! [root@linuxcnf ~]#

 

Step 3. Check Default Target: As shown in below output, multiuser.target set by default on minimal installation.

 

[root@linuxcnf ~]# systemctl get-default multi-user.target [root@linuxcnf ~]#

 

Step 4. Set Default Target: After installation of GUI will not change the default target. Run the following command to change the default run level from multiuser.target to graphic.target:

 

[root@linuxcnf ~]# systemctl set-default graphical.target Removed "/etc/systemd/system/default.target". Created symlink /etc/systemd/system/default.target → /usr/lib/systemd/system/graphical.target. [root@linuxcnf ~]#

 

Caution: Before reboot maintain all the precautions!!! Startx command also start graphical mode if server physical console accessible.

 

Step 5. Reboot: Finally, reboot the machine to start the server in the graphical mode.

 

[root@linuxcnf ~]# reboot

 

While rebooting system follow the instruction to complete GUI booting process. Once system will come up, Login window will appear.

 

Done!!! GUI (Graphical User Interface) installation has been done on CentOS 9.