How to Enable Root User on Ubuntu 24.04

Enable root

Enabling the root user on Ubuntu 24.04 begins by switching to the root account with the `sudo -i` command. Setting a strong password for the root user follows next. This credential allows direct login as the root user when administrative tasks demand it.

Run this `sudo` command.

sudo -s

Terminal prompts request the current password; enter it to proceed.

Next, execute the command that configures the root user’s password.

sudo passwd root

Terminal prompts require entering and confirming a new password for the root account.

New password: 
Retype new password: 
passwd: password updated successfully

Configuring the root user password automatically enables the account.

Executing the following command and providing the root password switches the active shell to the root user.

The root user prompt on Ubuntu 24.04 displays "root" at the beginning and "#" at the end. This visual cue confirms operations run with the highest level of system privileges. This root status grants complete control over the entire Ubuntu 24.04 system.

root@Ubuntu:~# 

Restrict the su command

After enabling the root account on Ubuntu, restricting who can use the 'su' command to switch users forms a sensible security practice. Limiting access to this command helps protect the operating system.

Executing the command below opens the su configuration file.

nano /etc/pam.d/su

Uncomment the highlighted line inside the file.

# Uncomment this to force users to be a member of group adm
# before they can use `su'.
 auth       required   pam_wheel.so group=adm

Save changes and exit the editor.

Granting permission to use the `su` command on Ubuntu 24.04 requires adding the target user to the `adm` group. Membership in this group permits switching to the root user, a powerful administrator account.

usermod -aG adm richard

Configuration finishes here.

Summary:

Root access grants total control over every file and service. Treat this account with care to keep the operating system stable.

• The root account offers full administrative access and can perform any task on the system.
• By default, the root account is disabled to enhance security.
• You can easily enable the root account using the sudo command to set a password.
• Limiting the use of the su command helps prevent unauthorized access to the root account.
• Always ensure that only trusted users are added to the adm group to maintain system integrity.
• Regularly review user permissions and access to the root account to ensure ongoing security.