Arch Linux

renegat

Member

From: Europe

Registered: 2012-12-28

Posts: 88

[SOLVED] Latest systemd update breaks consolefont hook for LUKS

The mkinitcpio.conf consolefont hook does not work for LUKS password prompt since update:

systemd-libs (253.1-3 -> 253.2-1)
systemd (253.1-3 -> 253.2-1)

In order to have a bigger font size for a visually impaired user with full LUKS encrypted system I enabled kms and consolefont in mkinitcpio.conf hooks and set FONT=ter-128n in vconsole.conf

This used to work.

When booting the fist thing that appeared on screen was:
'Starting systemd-udevd version 253.1-3-arch'
followed by the LUKS password prompt in the desired big font set in vconsole.conf

Now after update the startup-message about systemd-udevd is missing and the passwort promt appears in the 'normal' (too small) size.

After unlocking the drive the font sizes than switches to the desired big one.
Seems like the missing delay prevents the font to be changed.

Solution:
- remove 'quiet' from kernel-parameters. The delay of printing some early boot messages seem to give the needed time to switch the font.
- downgrade to previous systemd version.

Last edited by renegat (2023-03-31 10:43:48)

pezz

Member

From: Geelong, Australia

Registered: 2010-05-23

Posts: 75

Re: [SOLVED] Latest systemd update breaks consolefont hook for LUKS

I see you've already commented in the bug:

https://bugs.archlinux.org/task/78052

Another option as recommended by City-busz is to replace the 'consolefont' and 'keymap' hooks with the 'sd-vconsole' hook.

Works a treat for me, and I actually think it looks better because you don't see the font changing.

renegat

Member

From: Europe

Registered: 2012-12-28

Posts: 88

Re: [SOLVED] Latest systemd update breaks consolefont hook for LUKS

@pezz: Thank you for the hint, 'sd-vconsole' hook solves the problem.
Keymap and consolefont are now applied on LUKS password prompt and there is much less flickering during boot.

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