For any system administrator or Linux user, knowing how to reset or change the root password in Linux is crucial. On a Linux system, the root account has the highest level of power. It can access important system configurations and files. Besides, there are times when you might have to change the root password for administrative, security, or other reasons. By following the right steps to reset or change the root password. You may safely and effectively get back into your system and protect yourself from any potential data loss or unwanted access.
A user account has complete access to all files, programs, and system features. It’s referred to as having root privileges (or root access) in Linux. The majority of Linux user accounts are basic and have few privileges. By doing this, users are prevented from making mistakes or unintentionally exposing security holes in the system.
A Linux user has to temporarily elevate their privileges using a command like sudo to exploit protected operating system capabilities. A command can be run by the system as the root user, or superuser, by using the sudo command. Typically, you’ll need to input your password to perform a function with sudo. Clearing the terminal screen helps you in many ways that can save you from distracting from previous commands and you can concentrate on your current work.
Needed Requirements
- A Linux-based computer
- Interface for command-line (terminal)
Changing Your Ubuntu Root Password
Step 1: Launch a Terminal Window
On the desktop, right-click and then left-click “Open in terminal.”
Click Menu > Applications > Accessories > Terminal as an alternative.
Step 2: Altering Your Root Password in Step Two
Enter the following in the terminal window:
sudo passwd root
Your password, which you use to log in to the system, will be requested to be entered by the system.
You will then be prompted to enter a new password by the system. When the password entry prompt appears on the screen, enter it again just as before. This double entry attests to your accurate password entry.
Resetting an Ubuntu Root Password
You might occasionally need to get into an account for which you can’t remember your password.
Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode First.
Give your system a restart. Holding down the shift key will cause the computer manufacturer’s splash screen to appear. Several Linux kernel versions ought to be visible on the black-and-white GRUB boot menu when the system boots up.
Choose the highest revision, the second one from the top, and then (recovery mode). Hit the Enter key.
Step 2: Go to the Root Shell
There ought to be a menu with various boot options displayed by the system. Press Enter after using the arrow keys to select the “root” option.
In response, the system should present you with a prompt-equipped command-line interface.
Step 3: Use Write-Permissions to Remount the File System
As of right now, your system can only be accessed read-only. This implies that while it can view the data, it is unable to alter it. However, to modify the password, we require write access, thus we must remount the drive with the proper permissions.
Type the following at the prompt:
mount –o rw,remount /
By Pressing the Enter. You should be able to modify the data on the hard disk as a result.
Step 4: Modify Your Password
Type the following at the prompt:
passwd username
Enter the user’s name in place of the username and hit Enter. The interface requests that you enter a fresh UNIX password and then input it again.
After changing the password and confirming it, restart the computer by inputting the following:
shutdown –r
Once you press Enter, the system ought to restart. Let the machine load to the login screen without pressing any keys, then try using the new password.
Wrapping Up on How to Change/Reset Root Password in Linux
In summary, knowing how to reset or modify the root password in Linux is essential for preserving the integrity and security of your system. Knowing the right steps to take is crucial, whether you’ve lost the root password, need to improve security, or are just doing regular administrative work. You may manage your Linux system’s root password with confidence by following the procedures listed and abiding by best practices for password management.
This will guarantee that you can access your system in the future and safeguard it from potential security threats. Linux makes it easy to change or modify your password if you already have access to your user account. If you’ve forgotten or lost your password, it can be more difficult, but with some inventive restarting and editing, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I Change the Root Password in Linux?
Follow the steps below to change the root password in Linux:
Step 1: Open the terminal.
Step 2: Run the following command:
sudo passwd root
Step 3: Confirm after entering the new password when prompted.
2. What if I don’t have sudo access?
If you don’t have sudo access and you need root privileges, you may need assistance from a system administrator.
