Root access ubuntu
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Not even the asterisks (*). Sudo is a program that controls access to running commands as root (or other users).
Sudo is actually quite a versatile tool. Why is it locked in Ubuntu?
In Linux, there is always a super user called root. However, for security reasons, Ubuntu disables root login by default.
To return to the normal user shell, insert the command . If you still have some confusion and questions about it, please let me know in the comments. If you have to cut a fruit, you use a kitchen knife. This user account works as the admin on your system and as per the default sudo policy in Ubuntu, it can run any command on your system with root privileges.
The thing with sudo is that running sudo doesn’t require root password but the user’s own password.
And this is why when you run a command with sudo, it asks for the password of the user who is running the sudo command:
As you can see in the example above, user abhishek was trying to run the ‘apt update’ command with sudo and the system asked the password for abhishek.
If you are absolutely new to Linux, you might be surprised that when you start typing your password in the terminal, nothing happens on the screen.
Attackers can target active root accounts over the network, making it essential to set a strong password and limit SSH access if root login is enabled.
5. However, in situations, where you have to run several commands as root and you keep forgetting to add sudo before the commands, you may switch to root user temporarily.
The sudo command allows you to simulate a root login shell with this command:
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You’ll notice that when you switch to root, the shell command prompt changes from $ (dollar key sign) to # (pound key sign).
Instead, Ubuntu encourages the use of the command, which temporarily grants administrative privileges. 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. 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.
What Is Root in Ubuntu?
Definition of the Root User
In Unix-like systems, the root user is a privileged account with complete control over the entire system.
Root User in Ubuntu- Important Things You Should Know
How do you become a root user in Ubuntu? When you type the password on the screen, nothing is visible.
This way, it's easier to track who performed what administrative actions, and it reduces the risk of accidental or malicious system-wide changes.
Usage Methods#
Method 1: Setting a Password for the Root User#
- Open the terminal. 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.
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. 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
A lot of modern Linux distros (in particular those Debian based) have this file preconfigured with the user indicated in the installation process, and the root user disabled and without a password assigned, precisely to highlight the more secure practice of system administration.
In any case, there are situations where all the activities in some session will be admin-related, and having to insert sudo in all commands could be a hassle.
You can have several terminals, one of them as root, and the rest as normal user, but you have always to be careful when making changes to the system and read the relevant documentation to be aware of possible caveats.
Of course, if your system/distro does not have the file configured (or if it hasn't the command installed), you cannot use , so it should have a root account and you must know its password.
Some systems allow to enter some kind of 'recovery mode' at boot, but new distros can ask for the root password (or the password of a sudo user) to enter a shell or even to select GRUB options to protect against unauthorized access.
You can reset an Ubuntu password very easily. In that case, is necessary to use some other root recovery method.
answered Sep 25, 2024 at 7:17
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How to Use Root Privileges Safely in Ubuntu: Complete Guide to sudo, root Login, and Best Practices
1.
If you have to cut down a tree, you have to use a saw. When asked for password, enter your account’s password.