Ubuntu stuck on initramfs

If your Ubuntu system is stuck on the initramfs prompt, it usually indicates that the system is having trouble mounting the root filesystem. This can happen due to various reasons such as filesystem corruption, incorrect UUIDs in /etc/fstab, or hardware issues. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Problem Overview

If Ubuntu boots into the initramfs shell ((initramfs) prompt), it usually means it can’t find or mount the root filesystem. Common causes:

Filesystem corruption
Wrong UUID in /etc/fstab
Disk not detected
LVM/encryption issues
Hardware failure

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Check if Disks Are Detected

At the (initramfs) prompt, run:

Also try:

You should see something like /dev/sda, /dev/sda1, /dev/nvme0n1p1, etc.

❌ If nothing is shown, try loading drivers:

Then check again with ls /dev/sd*.

Step 2: Identify Your Root Partition

If disks are listed, run:

You’ll see output like:

If blkid gives no output, try:

Look for a Linux partition (usually ext4 or xfs). Example: /dev/sda1, /dev/nvme0n1p2.

Step 3: Run Filesystem Check (fsck)

Now run:

Replace /dev/sda1 with your partition.

If you get “no such file or directory”, double-check the device name.

If fsck finds and fixes errors, type:

If fsck still fails, try:

This will automatically confirm fixes.

Step 4: Check for LVM or Encrypted Partitions (If Applicable)

If you’re using LVM or encryption:

Then:

Step 5: Check or Fix /etc/fstab (Advanced)

If fsck succeeds, try mounting the root partition:

If the root filesystem is visible:

Check for wrong UUIDs. Get the correct one using:

Compare UUIDs and correct them in /mnt/etc/fstab.

Step 6: Rebuild Initramfs (Optional if root mounts)

If you’re still stuck, try this:

Then reboot:

If Nothing Works – Use Live USB

If the issue cannot be fixed via initramfs, boot into a Ubuntu Live USB:

Step-by-Step:

Boot into Ubuntu Live USB
Open terminal

Bonus: Reinstall GRUB (If Bootloader Is Corrupted)

In chroot from live USB:

Check Disk Health (Optional but Recommended)

From live USB:

Look for Reallocated Sector Count, Pending Sectors, etc.

Summary

Step	Task
1️⃣	Check disk detection: `ls /dev/sd*`
2️⃣	Identify partition: `blkid` or `fdisk -l`
3️⃣	Run fsck: `fsck -f /dev/sda1`
4️⃣	For LVM: `vgchange -ay`, then `fsck`
5️⃣	Mount and check `/etc/fstab`
6️⃣	Rebuild initramfs: `update-initramfs -u`
7️⃣	Use Live USB if needed
8️⃣	Check disk health: `smartctl -a /dev/sda`
9️⃣	Reinstall GRUB if needed