[FAQ] Graphical desktop doesn't work

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Almost all recent graphics cards now require non-free firmware to work properly and the graphical desktop won't start at all without this for the current generation of AMD cards.

This firmware cannot be included in the official release because it violates Debian's Social Contract and it will not be installed automatically even if the unofficial non-free ISO image is used.

To solve this problem disable the graphical desktop by pressing "e" with the Debian boot menu entry highlighted and add this to the end of the line that starts with "linux":

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systemd.unit=multi-user.target

Then press <ctrl>+x (at the same time) to boot the modified entry and install the non-free firmware metapackage:

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# apt install firmware-linux-nonfree

If the official ISO image has been used to install the system then the non-free component of the repsoitories will have to be added first, use

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# apt edit-sources

And add non-free after main in the source lines (separated with a space) then save the file and

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# apt update

Before installing the firmware metapackage and rebooting.

See also https://wiki.debian.org/SourcesList#Component & https://wiki.debian.org/Firmware

[cuckooflew]

Great howto, I have noticed many people keep asking the same question over and over about the Desktop not working, etc.