---
name: "nmstate.service"
section: "8"
platform: "linux"
package: "nmstate"
version: "2.2.62-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/nmstate.service"
---

# nmstate.service(8)

Apply /etc/nmstate network states

## NAME

nmstate.service - Apply /etc/nmstate network states

## SYNOPSIS

nmstate.service

## DESCRIPTION

nmstate.service invokes **nmstatectl service** command which apply all network state files ending with **.yml** or **.yaml** in **/etc/nmstate** folder. When two files holding the same name but one with \`.yml\` and another with \`.yaml\`, nmstate will not apply any but fail the service.

By default, the service renames the network state file to a name with suffix **.applied** after processing the file. This prevents applying the same file again when the service runs next.

Alternatively, you can set the following in **/etc/nmstate/nmstate.conf**:

```
[service]0
keep_state_file_after_apply = true
```

With **keep\_state\_file\_after\_apply = true**, the service copies the network state file to a file with **.applied**, but preserves the original file.

By default, nmstate merges network state file with current network state, if you want to override interface settings without merging, please set \`override\_iface = true\` in \`\[service\]\` section in **/etc/nmstate/nmstate.conf**:

```
[service]0
override_iface = true
```

If \`override\_iface = true\`, for network state to apply, nmstate.service will:

 \* For \`interfaces\` section, any defined interface will be configured by\
    desired state information only, undefined properties of this interface will\
    use default value instead of merging from current state.

 \* For other sections, no changes to their original behavior.

For example, if desired interface has no IPv4 section defined, nmstate will treat it as disabled regardless current network status.

## BUG REPORTS

Report bugs on nmstate GitHub issues \<https://github.com/nmstate/nmstate\>.

## COPYRIGHT

License Apache 2.0 or any later version \<https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.txt\>

## SEE ALSO

**[nmstatectl(8)](/nmstatectl/8.md)**