If you’re looking to securely lock down and access your Ubuntu 20.04 system, setting a root password is an important step to take. Whether you’re new to Ubuntu or a veteran Linux user, learning how to set the root password in Ubuntu 20.04 can be a great way to manage your system and protect your data. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step through the process of setting a root password in Ubuntu 20.04, giving you the power to protect your computer from unauthorized access with the revolutionary LogMeOnce Password Manager. So if you want to learn how to protect your Ubuntu 20.04 system with a secure root password, then this article on Ubuntu 20.04 Set Root Password is for you.
1. Setting Up Root Password on Ubuntu 20.04
Root password gives complete permission and control over the Linux machine. Without the root password, you can’t perform tasks that require administrative access. It is important to remember the root password, or you won’t be able to use the machine easily.
If you are using Ubuntu Server 20.04, setting up the root password is a simple and quick process. All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Start the Terminal: Search and open the Terminal application from the system menu.
- Set the Root Password: Type the command
sudo passwd root
on the command line and press enter. You will be prompted for a new root password. - Confirm the Password: Once you enter the password, you will be prompted to confirm the password by retyping it. Enter the same password again and press enter.
- Verification: After setting a root password, you will receive a prompt confirming the password change successful.
You’re all set! Now, you can use the root password to access and operate the machine with full privileges.
2. How to Create a Secure Password for Your Ubuntu 20.04 System
Creating a secure password for your Ubuntu 20.04 system is essential for protecting your data and keeping it safe from unauthorized users. It takes only a few steps to do it:
- Login to your Ubuntu account with your username and current password
- From the top panel, click on the System Settings option
- Click on the User Accounts icon
- Select the user account on your system for which you would like to change the password
- Click on the Change Password option
- Input your current password and then type the new password twice
You must make sure that your new password is complex. It should include a mix of upper- and lower-case characters, numbers, and special characters like ‘@’ or ‘#’ to make it harder to guess. You can also use a unique password phrase in which every word is capitalized, like MyLaptop#1IsTooOld. Finally, don’t forget to confirm your changes with the Change button.
To make your password even more secure, you can also enable two-factor authentication on your system. This feature adds an extra layer of security and requires both the username and password, along with an additional code from your mobile phone or other device, to successfully login into your system.
3. What to do After Setting Up Root Password on Ubuntu 20.04
Get Up to Date with Ubuntu Updates
Once you’ve set up your root password, it’s important to make sure Ubuntu is kept up to date. This is because updates will give you access to new features and security patches as they are released. To update Ubuntu, open your terminal and type in sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade. This will check for updates and allow you to install any available to you.
Installing Additional Software and Applications
Once you’ve updated Ubuntu, you’ll be ready to customize your experience by installing additional software and applications. To do this, you may want to use the Ubuntu Software app – a feature available inside your terminal. To open it, type in ubuntu-software or simply software-centre into your terminal. This will open up a software centre, allowing you to find, purchase, and install different applications and programs. Here are a few additional useful Ubuntu applications you may want to consider:
- VLC Media Player – for playing music and videos
- GNOME Tweak Tool – for customizing your settings on Ubuntu
- GIMP – for editing images
- Firefox – web browser
- LibreOffice – a full office suite
That said, Ubuntu Software will display a wide range of applications, allowing you to customize your experience and tailor it to your needs.
4. Security Tips for Keeping Your Ubuntu 20.04 System Safe
From financial data to personal files, any exposed information on an Ubuntu 20.04 system can be vulnerable to malicious cyber attackers. To protect against this, here are four security measures that can help keep your system safe:
- Update your system regularly: Security vulnerabilities can be found and exploited in outdated systems, so it is crucial to regularly check for and install any available updates. Ubuntu 20.04 includes an automatic update feature that helps keep your system up to date.
- Install antivirus software and scan regularly: A reliable antivirus program can protect your system from viruses, trojans, worms, and other types of malicious software. Remember to run regular scans to make sure your system is not vulnerable.
Passwords and authentication are essential for any secure system. When possible, use two-factor authentication to protect user accounts. Also, keep passwords long, strong, and unique, and change them frequently to reduce the possibility of a breach. Finally, be aware that public Wi-Fi networks can be used by hackers to steal data. If possible, always use a secure private connection.
Ubuntu 20.04 allows users to set a root password for the root account, providing administrative privileges to users. This can be done using the passwd command, which prompts users to input a new password for the root user. It is important to ensure a strong root password to prevent unauthorized access to the system.
By setting a root password, users can access the root account and perform administrative tasks with elevated permissions. It is recommended to regularly update the root password for improved security and to prevent dictionary attacks. Additionally, users can grant specific permissions to other users using the GRANT command in MySQL. By following proper security measures, users can enhance the overall security of their system and protect sensitive data stored on the server.
Setting Up Root Password on Ubuntu 20.04
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Start the Terminal |
2 | Set the Root Password: Type the command sudo passwd root on the command line and press enter. |
3 | Confirm the Password: Once you enter the password, you will be prompted to confirm the password by retyping it. |
4 | Enter the same password again and press enter. |
5 | Verification: After setting a root password, you will receive a prompt confirming the password change successful. |
6 | You’re all set! Now, you can use the root password to access and operate the machine with full privileges. |
Q&A
Q: What is Ubuntu 20.04?
A: Ubuntu 20.04 is the latest version of the popular Ubuntu Linux operating system.
Q: How do I set a root password on Ubuntu 20.04?
A: To set a root password on Ubuntu 20.04, you need to use the “sudo passwd root” command in a terminal. This command will set a new password for the root user.
Q: What happens if I forget the root password I set for Ubuntu 20.04?
A: If you forget the root password you set for Ubuntu 20.04, you can use the “sudo passwd -d root” command in a terminal to reset the root user password.
Q: Why is it important to set a root password on Ubuntu 20.04?
A: Setting a root password on Ubuntu 20.04 is important because it helps to protect your system from unauthorized access. It also helps to ensure that only those who know the password are able to make changes to the system.
Q: What is the default root password in Ubuntu 20.04?
A: In Ubuntu 20.04, there is no default root password. The root account is disabled by default for security reasons.
Q: How can I set a root password for the root account in Ubuntu 20.04?
A: To set a root password for the root account in Ubuntu 20.04, you can use the following command: sudo passwd root. This will prompt you to enter and confirm a new password for the root account.
Q: Why is it important to set a strong password for the root account in Ubuntu 20.04?
A: Setting a strong password for the root account in Ubuntu 20.04 is crucial to prevent unauthorized users from gaining unrestricted access to your system. A strong password helps enhance security and protect your system from brute-force attacks.
Q: How can I grant root privileges to a user in Ubuntu 20.04?
A: In Ubuntu 20.04, users can be granted root privileges by adding them to the sudo group, which allows them to use the sudo command to execute administrative commands.
Q: What is the command to reset the MySQL root password in Ubuntu 20.04?
A: To reset the MySQL root password in Ubuntu 20.04, you can use the command: sudo mysql. This will open the MySQL shell prompt, where you can reset the root password using the necessary SQL commands.
Q: Are there any best practices for managing passwords in Ubuntu 20.04?
A: Yes, some best practices for managing passwords in Ubuntu 20.04 include setting strong and lengthy passwords, regularly updating passwords, enforcing minimum password complexity requirements, and monitoring password expiration dates to enhance security.
Source: help.ubuntu
Conclusion
We can conclude that setting up the root password for Ubuntu 20.04 is quite simple, yet it provides a secure back door for the user. To further protect your devices from cyber threats, you can create a FREE LogMeOnce account. LogMeOnce is the perfect password manager to keep your digital life secure in the long term. With its easy-to-use features, you can rest assured that your activities in Linux, Ubuntu 20.04, and other versions are safe from online harm. Set root password in Ubuntu 20.04 easily and securely using LogMeOnce password manager!

Bethany is a seasoned content creator with a rich academic background, blending the art of language with the precision of commerce. She holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature/Letters from Bahauddin Zakariya University, a testament to her profound grasp of language and its nuances. Complementing her literary prowess, Bethany also possesses a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the Punjab, equipping her with a keen understanding of business and commerce dynamics. Her unique educational blend empowers her to craft content that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.