How to Change Ubuntu Password without knowing it

Understanding how to change the password on Ubuntu without knowing the current one is crucial in situations where users are locked out of their accounts or have forgotten their password. Ubuntu, being a secure operating system, has various methods to reset or change a password securely, even if you can’t recall the existing one. This guide aims to provide a structured approach, covering reliable and practical ways to regain access to your Ubuntu account without compromising security.

Methods to Change Ubuntu Password Without Knowing

Here are step-by-step methods for changing your Ubuntu password without knowing the current one. Each method is explained in detail with commands and necessary steps to ensure a smooth process.

Using Recovery Mode:

One of the most straightforward methods is to use Ubuntu’s Recovery Mode. By rebooting your system and selecting Recovery Mode from the boot menu, you can access a root shell with administrative privileges. Once there, you can reset the password by using simple terminal commands. This method is effective and commonly used when no other administrative account is accessible.

• Restart your System
  Begin by rebooting your computer. While the system is booting up, press the Esc key (or Shift on some systems) to access the GRUB menu.
• Select Recovery Mode
  In the GRUB menu, select the entry that includes “Recovery Mode.” This will boot the system into a minimal environment with root access.
• Drop to Root Shell Prompt
  Once in Recovery Mode, scroll down to select “Drop to root shell prompt” and press Enter. This will provide you with root access to the system.
• Remount File System
  By default, the file system is mounted in read-only mode. Run the following command to remount it in read-write mode:

  mount -o remount,rw /

• Reset the Password
  Now, use the passwd command followed by the username of the account you wish to reset. For example, if your username is user, type:

  passwd user

  Enter the new password when prompted, then confirm it.

• Restart the System
  Once the password has been changed, type the following to reboot:

  reboot

  Your system should now restart, and you can log in with the new password.

Utilizing Another User Account with Administrative Privileges:

If there’s another user account on the system with administrative rights, it can be used to change the password. By logging into this secondary account, you can run commands to reset the password for the locked-out account. This method is particularly helpful in multi-user environments.

• Log into Another Admin Account
  If there’s another account with administrative privileges on the system, log into it.
• Open Terminal
  Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
• Run the Password Reset Command
  Use the passwd command with the target username. For example:

  sudo passwd target_username

  Replace target_username with the username for the account you’re trying to access. Enter a new password when prompted and confirm it.

• Log Out and Test
  Log out of the admin account and try logging in with the updated password for the target user.

Booting from a Live USB/CD:

For a more advanced approach, you can boot Ubuntu from a Live USB or CD. This process involves accessing the file system as an external user and changing the password from outside the main OS environment. Although this requires an additional USB or CD, it’s useful if the Recovery Mode isn’t accessible or if you need deeper access to system files.

• Create or Insert Live USB/CD
  Insert a Live USB/CD with Ubuntu on it, and reboot your system. Make sure to set your BIOS or UEFI to boot from USB/CD.
• Boot into Live Session
  When prompted, select “Try Ubuntu” to enter the live session.
• Open Terminal in Live Environment
  Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal within the live session.
• Identify Disk Partition
  Use the following command to list the disk partitions:

  sudo fdisk -l

  Identify the partition where Ubuntu is installed (often something like /dev/sda1).

• Mount the Partition
  Mount the root partition with the command:

  sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt

  (Replace /dev/sda1 with your actual partition name if it differs.)

• Access the File System and Reset Password
  Change root into the mounted partition with:

  sudo chroot /mnt

  Then use the passwd command to reset the password:

  passwd target_username

  Enter and confirm the new password.

• Exit and Reboot
  Type exit to leave the chroot environment, then unmount the partition:

  sudo umount /mnt

  Reboot your system with:

  reboot

  Now you can log in with the new password.

Changing an Ubuntu password without knowing the current one can be accomplished through various methods, each tailored to different levels of access and technical capability. By considering precautions such as data backups, understanding security risks, and verifying permissions, users can safely reset passwords while protecting both their data and the system’s integrity. Ultimately, these methods ensure that users regain access efficiently and securely, aligning with Ubuntu’s commitment to a stable and user-friendly experience.

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