In this guide, we’ll cover how to change a password in Linux using the passwd command followed by the name of the desired user. This method can be used to change the password for the root user as well as for individual users.
*Note: before changing any passwords, it is advised that you write down any pre-existing passwords as well as any new passwords you intend to create into a notepad file or store them in a password management software where they can be accessed as needed.
Resetting the Root Password
In order to reset the root password of a Linux server, follow these steps below.
- Log in to the server with the root user using your existing password
- Now, to change the password for the root user, enter the command:
passwd root
- On the new password prompt, provide the new password a couple of times and then hit enter.
- The root user’s password has now been changed.
Changing Passwords in Linux for Non-root Users
As in the example above, to change a password in Linux for anyone other than the root user, you can use the passwd command followed by the name of the intended user.
For example, let’s say you have a user named “user_1” and you need to change their password. To do so, you would use the following command:
passwd user_1
Same as in the process outlined above, once the command has been entered, you will be prompted to enter a new password for this user. After typing in the new password, hit enter to finalize the changes.
Popular Links
Looking for more information on Linux? Search our Knowledge Base!
Interested in more articles about Operating Systems? Navigate to our Categories page using the bar on the left or check out these popular articles:
- How to Check the Apache Version on a Linux Dedicated cPanel Server
- How to Open, Edit, Move, and Copy a File in Linux
- How to Check if Your Linux Server is Under DDoS Attack
Popular tags within this category include: Linux, Windows, Apache, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, RedHat, and more.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Use the search bar at the top to search our entire Knowledge Base.
The Hivelocity Difference
Seeking a better Dedicated Server solution? In the market for Private Cloud or Colocation services? Check out Hivelocity’s extensive list of products for great deals and offers.
With best-in-class customer service, affordable pricing, a wide-range of fully-customizable options, and a network like no other, Hivelocity is the hosting solution you’ve been waiting for.
Unsure which of our services is best for your particular needs? Call or live chat with one of our sales agents today and see the difference Hivelocity can make for you.