Unlocking and Accessing to Login as Root Account in Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Linux users often find themselves needing elevated privileges for various system tasks, and Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, is no exception. The root user, akin to a super administrator, grants full administrative privileges, allowing users to modify critical system files and perform advanced configurations. In this guide, we'll explore how to unlock and log in as the root user on an Ubuntu system.

Unlock the Root Account:

The initial step involves unlocking the root account, a process that requires the use of the terminal. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open Terminal:
• Access the terminal on your Ubuntu system. This can typically be done by pressing `Ctrl + Alt + T` or searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
2. Once the terminal is open, input the following command and provide your account password when prompted: 

• sudo passwd root






3. Set Root Password: Choose a new password for the root user. Ensure it is at least six characters long and secure. You won't see any characters or asterisks as you type for security reasons.
4. Disable Root Account (Optional):
• If, at any point, you wish to disable the root account, use the following command: 

• sudo passwd -l root

This step is optional and can be performed based on your security preferences.

Understanding Root Access in the Terminal:

Now that the root account is unlocked, you can utilize the terminal with elevated privileges. Follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal: Launch the terminal as you normally would.
2. Run Command: Input the following command to enter the root session:

• su -

3. Enter Root Password: Provide the root password you set during the unlocking process. You'll know you are in the root session when the terminal prompt changes from `$` to `#`.



4. Execute Commands: Now, you can run commands with full root privileges. Be cautious and double-check your commands, as they can have significant consequences on your system.
5. Each time you want to run a command as root, be sure to use the su - command to trigger the root session.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've successfully unlocked and accessed the root account on your Ubuntu system. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so exercise caution when making system-level changes. Unlocking the root account is a powerful tool, but it should be used judiciously to ensure the stability and security of your Linux environment.

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