This directory contains everything required for the boot process except configuration files not needed at boot time and the map installer. Thus /boot stores data that is used before the kernel begins executing user-mode programs. This may include saved master boot sectors and sector map files.

Programs necessary to arrange for the boot loader to be able to boot a file must be placed in /sbin. Configuration files for boot loaders that are not required at boot time must be placed in /etc.

The operating system kernel must be located in either / or /boot.

Certain architectures may have other requirements for /boot related to limitations or expectations specific to that architecture. These requirements are not enumerated here; distributions are allowed to add requirements as needed to enable system startup on these architectures.