= How to Reset the root Password The Fedora docs team :revnumber: F36 :revdate: 2022-01-10 :category: Administration :tags: Password [abstract] A root password may be set up while installing Fedora Linux, although it is now suggested to leave the root account locked and use `sudo`. This article describes how to proceed if you have used a root password, but for some reason you can no longer access it. There are two common methods to reset the root password if it is forgotten or lost. * In Rescue Mode * Using a Fedora Live Media (USB/DVD/CD) == How to reset the root password in Rescue Mode [NOTE] ==== Changing passwords as root will not prompt for the old password. ==== While booting the system, the xref:grub2-bootloader.adoc[GRUB2] menu will be displayed. To boot the system into rescue mode using `bash` follow these steps: . Select the boot entry you wish to edit with the arrow keys. . Select the entry you wish to edit by pressing *e*. . Use the arrow keys to go to select the line beginning with `linux`, `linux16`, or `linuxefi`. . Go the the end of that line and include a space and the following `rw init=/bin/bash`. + [NOTE] ==== If your disk is encrypted, you may need to add `plymouth.enable=0`[NOTE] ==== . Press *Ctrl-x* or *F10* to boot the entry . Run the command: + [source,bash] ---- passwd ---- + You will be prompted to enter the new root password twice. . Restore the SELinux context and permissions with: + [source,bash] ---- touch /.autorelabel ---- + [WARNING] ==== If you do not restore the SELinux permissions, the boot process may fail. You may have to do a hard-reboot and start back at step 1. ==== . Reboot the machine with: + [source,bash] ---- /sbin/reboot -f ---- The system may take a moment to boot while SELinux relabels its permissions on the filesystem. If you see the Plymouth boot screen you can press the `ESC` key on your keyboard to view the SELinux progress. Once it is complete, your system is ready and your root password has been successfully changed. [[sect-reset-password-using-the-fedora-live-media]] == How to reset the root password with a Fedora Live Media [NOTE] ==== To _download_ and create a live USB of Fedora Workstation, follow the instructions on the xref:creating-and-using-a-live-installation-image.adoc[Fedora USB Live Media Quick Doc]. __For additional information__, specifically about live media using BTRFS, see also xref:grub2-bootloader.adoc#_restoring_the_bootloader_using_the_live_disk[Restoring the bootloader using the Live disk] ==== . Boot the Live installation media and choose `Try Fedora`. . From the desktop, open a terminal and switch to root using `su` (the system will not ask for a password). . To view your hard drive device nodes, enter `df -H` into the terminal. For this example we will use `/dev/sda1` for the `/boot` partition and `/dev/sda2` for the root `/` partition. + If you are using LVM partitions, type: `sudo lvscan` and note the `/dev` path of your root partition. For this example we will use `/dev/fedora/root`. . Create a directory for the mount point (use the `-p` option to create subdirectories): + [source,bash] ---- mkdir -p /mnt/sysimage/boot ---- . Mount the `/` (root) partition (be sure to use the actual device node or LVM path of your root `/` partition): + To mount root on a *standard partition* scheme enter: + [source,bash] ---- mount /dev/sda2 /mnt/sysimage ---- + To mount root on an *LVM partition* scheme enter: + [source,bash] ---- mount /dev/fedora/root /mnt/sysimage ---- . Continue the process by mounting `/boot`, `proc`, `/dev`, and `/run` with: + [source,bash] ---- mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/sysimage/boot mount -t proc none /mnt/sysimage/proc mount -o bind /dev /mnt/sysimage/dev mount -o bind /run /mnt/sysimage/run ---- . `chroot` to the mounted root partition with: + [source,bash] ---- chroot /mnt/sysimage /bin/bash ---- . Change the root password: + [source,bash] ---- passwd ---- . Exit out of chroot with: + [source,bash] ---- exit ---- + and exit out of the terminal. . Reboot your system and boot from the hard drive. Congratulations, your root password has been successfully changed. [[sect-additional-troubleshooting]] == Additional Troubleshooting . If you cannot enter rescue mode because you forgot the Firmware/BIOS password here are some options: .. Refer to your computer's documentation for instructions on resetting the Firmware/BIOS password in CMOS memory. .. Temporarily move the system hard disk to another machine, and follow the procedures above to reset the root password. . If you have set a password for your boot loader, refer to xref:creating-and-using-a-live-installation-image.adoc[Creating and Using a Live Installation Image]. . If you want to reset the boot loader password, refer to the instructions on how to link:++https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Reset_Bootloader_Password++[Reset the Bootloader Password].