How to Enable Root User on Ubuntu

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, loved by both developers and hobbyists. Known for its user-friendly interface, Ubuntu is designed to be secure and efficient. One of the ways Ubuntu ensures security is by disabling root user login by default. Instead, Ubuntu encourages the use of the sudo command to perform administrative tasks. However, there may be situations where you may need to enable the root user. This guide explains in simple terms how to enable and use the root user on Ubuntu.

Understanding the root user

In Linux and other Unix-like systems, the root user is the superuser who has access to all commands and files in the system. The root user can do things like install software, manage user accounts, and change server configurations. Because of their powerful privileges, the root user can also make changes that can affect the security and stability of the system. This is why most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, discourage logging in directly as the root user.

Instead, Ubuntu implements a safer alternative by using sudo. This command allows a permitted user to run commands as the superuser or another user. While sudo is sufficient for most tasks, some users or advanced administrators may prefer to enable the root account for specific purposes.

Prerequisites

Before you can enable the root user account, you need to make sure you have the necessary prerequisites:

• Ubuntu system installed on your machine or server.
• A user account with sudo permissions.
• Access to the terminal window.
• Basic understanding of Linux commands.

Step-by-step guide to enable root user

Step 1: Open the Terminal

The first step to enabling the root user is to open your terminal window. There are several ways to do this on Ubuntu. You can press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard, or you can search for “Terminal” in your applications menu and click on it.

Step 2: Gain root privileges using sudo

In your terminal window, type the following command to gain temporary root privileges:

sudo -i

This command temporarily switches your terminal session to the root user environment. You will need to enter your current user password to execute this command. Once authenticated, you will see that your command prompt will change from username@ubuntu: to root@ubuntu: indicating that you now have root privileges.

Step 3: Set the password for the root user

Ubuntu does not set a password for the root user by default. Therefore, you must set a password before logging in as root. Set a strong password for the root user by executing the following command:

passwd

After typing passwd, you will be prompted to enter the password for the root user. Type a strong password carefully, as it will not be displayed on the screen for security reasons. Confirm the password when prompted.

Step 4: Verify root user access

Once you have set the password for the root account, it is a good idea to verify that you can log in as the root user. You can do this by changing your terminal session to root using the following command:

su - root

You'll be asked to enter the root password you just set. Enter the password, and if successful, your terminal prompt should change to root@ubuntu: This confirms that you now have access as the root user.

Step 5: Considerations and Best Practices

Now that you’ve enabled and accessed the root user on Ubuntu, there are several considerations and best practices to keep in mind:

• Use the root account only for tasks that require the highest level of access.
• Avoid using the root account for regular activities such as web browsing or managing files.
• Exercise caution when executing commands as root because incorrect use of superuser privileges can compromise the security and stability of your system.
• Keep your systems updated and secured regularly to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Disable the root account if it is no longer needed by locking the root password. This can be done by executing passwd -l root.

Conclusion

Enabling the root user on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that involves setting a password for the root account and confirming access. While the root user gives full control over the system, it should be used with caution. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of enabling the root user and provides useful best practices for safely managing user permissions. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the Ubuntu operating system with the appropriate user privileges for your needs.

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