How Do I Become a Root User in Linux

The root is the super-user account on Linux-based operating systems. The root user has all the rights that are necessary to perform administrative tasks or access some files, execute privileged commands, and much more. The root user is also referred to as a superuser or root.

In Linux, you can run privileged commands using the sudo keyword. However, sometimes it becomes a tedious act when you are doing administrative tasks and each command requires root privileges. To get rid of such a situation, become a root user and then execute commands.

This article provides various possibilities to become a root user on Linux.

How do I become a root user on Linux

As discussed earlier the root user has the necessary privileges to execute and perform various tasks on Linux-based systems. This section demonstrates Linux commands that can be used to become a root user on Linux.

How to use the sudo command to become a root user

The sudo command allows a normal user to perform the tasks that a superuser can do. Here, we provide the possible usages of the sudo command to become a root user.

Using the “sudo su –”

The `su` refers to switching the user and if the username is not provided, it will switch you to a root user, and the command provided below assists in this regard.

After successful authentication, it is noted that we are now switched to a root user.

Using the “sudo su”

The command written below will change the privileges to the root user.

Using the “sudo -i”

The command provided below will change the privileges to a root user.

The output shows that the dollar sign($) has been replaced by the pound key(#) which also directs that you are currently logged in using the root privileges.

Using “sudo -s”

The “-s” parameter enables the user to run the shell with a specific user. And if the username is not specified then the root (default) is considered.

How to use su command to become a root user

The su command allows you to switch the user to someone else by providing its username. However, if the name is not specified, the su command would allow you to execute the commands with root privileges.

There are various parameters that would allow you to become a root user.

Using “su –”

Using “su -l”

Using “–login”

It is observed from the above outputs that you are switched to the root user and can now perform the privileged tasks.

During the authentication of su command, you have to put the root password.

Note: In case you are unable to execute the above commands, you must set the password for root by using the following command.

Bonus Tip

Once you are logged in as a root user, it is recommended to check whether you are working with root privileges or not. To do so, the $LOGNAME variable would help, as the $LOGNAME contains the user you are currently logged in as.

For instance, we have tried to switch to the root user using the “su” command, and let’s check the logged-in user with the help of the following command.

The output shows that you are not logged in using the root privileges.

Conclusion

The root user is the ultimate boss of a Linux system, it can perform any task without any hurdle. This guide intends to explore the possible commands or ways to become a root user on Linux so that the frequent authentication hurdle can be avoided. Lastly, it is concluded that the sudo and su keywords are the main stakeholder to become a root user on Linux-based machines. The sudo requires the password of the currently logged-in user whereas the su requires the password of the target user.