How to Reset Password in Linux
(How to Reset Password in Linux) User and system administrator both need the crucial capability to reset passwords when using Linux operating systems. Linux contains multiple options for both password reset and user password modification. This guide explains various methods and circumstances for password resets in Linux systems.
Reset Password for a Regular User
Using the passwd Command
If you remember your password and want to change it, use the passwd command:
You will be prompted to enter your current password, followed by the new password.
If you’re the root user and want to reset another user’s password, use:
Example:
You’ll be asked to enter the new password for the specified user.
Reset Password Using Recovery Mode (Single User Mode)
If you’ve forgotten your root password and can’t log in, follow these steps:
Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode
- Restart your system.
- While booting, hold Shift (for GRUB menu) or press Esc (for UEFI systems).
- Select the kernel with
(recovery mode). - Choose Drop to root shell prompt.
Step 2: Remount Root Filesystem
By default, the filesystem is read-only. Remount it with write permissions:
Step 3: Reset the Password
Run the following command:
For example, to reset the root password:
Enter the new password and confirm it.
Step 4: Reboot the System
Now you can log in with the new password.
Reset Password via Live CD or USB
If you can’t access recovery mode, use a bootable USB:
Step 1: Boot from a Live CD/USB
- Insert the bootable Linux USB.
- Select Try Ubuntu (or similar option for other distros).
- Open a terminal.
Step 2: Identify the Root Partition
Run:
Find the partition where Linux is installed (e.g., /dev/sda2).
Step 3: Mount the Partition
Step 4: Change Root Directory
Now reset the password:
Once done, unmount and reboot:
Reset Password Using init=/bin/bash Method
This method is useful when GRUB is accessible but root access is lost.
Step 1: Edit GRUB
- Restart your system.
- Press
eat the GRUB menu. - Locate the line starting with
linux. - Append
init=/bin/bashat the end.
Step 2: Boot into Bash Shell
Press Ctrl + X to boot. You’ll land in a root shell.
Step 3: Remount Root Partition
Step 4: Change Password
After resetting the password, reboot:
Reset Password Using SSH (If Remote Access is Enabled)
If the system allows remote login, you can reset the password using SSH.
Connect to the system:
Run the password reset command:
Logout:
Alternative Commands for Password Management
chage – Manage Password Expiry
Check password expiration:
Set password to expire in 30 days:
Force password change on next login:
usermod – Lock/Unlock User Account
Lock a user account:
Unlock a user account:
passwd with Expiry Options
Expire a password immediately:
Set a password that never expires:
Conclusion
A simple process exists for resetting passwords in Linux systems when recovery options are available. Users have at least one method among passwd, GRUB modifications, Live USBs, and SSH to recover access to their system. Strong passwords together with multi-factor authentication should be enabled because they boost security measures.
Additional Tips
- Regularly backup critical data.
- Keep a recovery USB handy.
- Use a password manager to avoid forgetting passwords.
- Implement account lockout policies to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep your system updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Consider using SSH keys instead of passwords for remote access.
- Enable disk encryption for an additional layer of security.
- Familiarize yourself with Linux recovery tools to prepare for emergencies.
- Set up email or phone recovery options if your Linux distribution supports them.
- Educate users on best practices for password security.
- Use fail2ban or similar tools to prevent brute-force attacks.
- Change default passwords immediately upon setting up new user accounts.
- Regularly audit user accounts and remove inactive ones to maintain security.
By following these methods, you can efficiently manage user accounts and recover access whenever necessary.
