Enabling and Disabling the Root Account in Ubuntu

Ubuntu does not enable the root account during installation. If you want to do something requiring root permission, such as installing software, you have to type ‘sudo’ (superuser do) before the command. Whenever you use the ‘sudo’ command, you have to enter your user password.

NOTE: Commands to be typed are outlined in red on the images.

If you want to enable the root account (which is not recommended), enter the following command in a terminal window:

You will be prompted for a new root password (Enter new UNIX password) and once you confirm the password (Retype new UNIX password), you can start logging in to the root account.

To disable the root account, you need to lock it with the following command:

NOTE: The letter after the dash is a lowercase ‘L.’

IMPORTANT: Enabling the root account is rarely necessary. Almost everything you need to do as administrator of an Ubuntu system can be done using ‘sudo.’ If you really need a persistent root login, the best alternative is to simulate a root login shell using the following command…

You may be prompted to enter your user password. You then have temporary root access so you can install software, etc. To end root access, type ‘exit’ at the root prompt.

Remember that most commands requiring root access can be run using ‘sudo,’ which is the recommended method of performing tasks as root.

by Lori Kaufman