Before we proceed, it is important to note that enabling the root user can expose your system to potential security risks. It is recommended to only enable the root user temporarily and disable it after completing the required administrative tasks. This will help to maintain the security and integrity of your system.
To activate the root user on Ubuntu, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the terminal
The terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to execute commands and perform various tasks on Ubuntu. To open the terminal, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T or search for “Terminal” in the application launcher.
Step 2: Log in as root
In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
“`sudo -i“`
This command will prompt you to enter your password. Provide the password for your current user account and press Enter. Once authenticated, you will be logged in as the root user in the terminal.
Step 3: Set a root password
By default, Ubuntu does not assign a password for the root user. To set a password for the root user, use the following command:
“`sudo passwd root“`
You will be prompted to enter a new password for the root user. Ensure that the password you choose is strong and secure. After entering and confirming the password, the root user will have its own password.
Step 4: Edit the LightDM configuration file
Next, we need to edit the LightDM configuration file to allow the root user to log in directly. In the terminal, use the following command to open the file in the nano text editor:
“`sudo nano /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf“`
If the file does not exist, you can create it by running the following command:
“`sudo nano /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf.d/50-allow-root.conf“`
In the editor, add the following line:
“`greeter-show-manual-login=true“`
Save the changes by pressing Ctrl + O, then exit the editor by pressing Ctrl + X.
Step 5: Restart LightDM
To apply the changes, restart the LightDM service using the following command:
“`sudo systemctl restart lightdm“`
Step 6: Log in as root
After restarting LightDM, you will be able to log in as the root user from the login screen. Select the account option “Other” and enter “root” as the username. Provide the password you set in Step 3 and press Enter. Congratulations! You have successfully activated and logged in as the root user on Ubuntu.
Remember to exercise caution while performing administrative tasks as the root user, as any incorrect command or action can potentially harm your system. It is always recommended to switch back to your regular user account after completing the required tasks and disable the root user again to maintain system security.
In conclusion, activating the root user on Ubuntu can be useful in certain scenarios, but it should be done with caution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable the root user and perform administrative tasks on your Ubuntu system. However, it is vital to remember that the root user has extensive privileges, so use these powers responsibly and only when necessary.