Root access ubuntu

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For example, if you want to update Ubuntu via command line, you cannot run the command as a regular user. One wrong command can cause serious damage to your system, such as deleting important system files or breaking the package management system. Enter the new password twice for confirmation.

Method 2: Logging in as the Root User#

  1. If you have set the root password as described above, you can log in as the root user.

    After entering it successfully, you will be asked to set a new password for the root user. Unlocking the root user is one of those freedoms.

    If, for some reason, you decide to enable the root user, you can do so by setting up a password for it:

    Again, this is not recommended and I won’t encourage you to do that on your desktop.

    root access ubuntu

    This user can modify system files, add or remove users, change network settings, and perform operations across all areas of the system.

    Ubuntu’s Approach to Root

    Unlike many other Linux distributions, Ubuntu disables the root account by default. This is the super admin account that can do anything and everything with the system.

    The method should also be applicable to other Linux distributions.

In the end…

I hope you have a slightly better understanding of the root concept now. Log in using the username and the password you set.

  • In the terminal, you can use the command to switch to the root user:

    • When you run this command, you will be prompted to enter the root password.

    But there’s more to root account in Ubuntu that you should know.

    When you have just started using Linux, you’ll find many things that are different from Windows. Only use root access when absolutely necessary.

    Always Use When Possible#

    Even after enabling root access, it's a good practice to use the command when performing administrative tasks from your regular user account.

    It has the highest level of privileges and can perform any administrative task, including modifying system-critical files, installing or removing system-wide packages, and managing user accounts.

    Why is Root Access Restricted in Ubuntu?#

    Ubuntu restricts direct root access to enhance security. stands for “substitute user do,” allowing standard users to temporarily act with root-level permissions.

    How to Use Sudo

    To use , add it before a command as shown below:

    This command updates the system packages.

    You can also configure to run sudo without password. It’s an extensive topic and maybe I’ll discuss it in details in another article.

    For the moment, you should know that when you install Ubuntu, you are forced to create a user account. Always edit it using .

    File Ownership Issues

    If or is used incorrectly, file ownership may change unexpectedly, preventing regular users from accessing them.

    Monitor logs regularly to detect unauthorized access attempts early.

    7. This way, you can maintain a record of who performed the actions and reduce the risk of accidental system-wide changes.

    Keep the Root Password Secure#

    The root password should be kept secret and should be a strong, complex password.

    By following the guidelines in this blog, you can enable root access safely and effectively when needed.

    References#

    In conclusion, with proper knowledge and careful use, enabling root access in Ubuntu can enhance your ability to manage and troubleshoot your system.

    2025-11

    In this article, we will explain the fundamentals of the root user, how to access root privileges in Ubuntu, and best practices for using them safely.

    The Importance of Root Access in Ubuntu

    In Linux systems, the root user is a privileged user with full administrative permissions.

    However, for security reasons, Ubuntu disables root login by default.