Changing user passwords in Ubuntu is a crucial skill for managing account security. Whether you need to update your own password or help someone else with theirs, Ubuntu provides both command line and graphical options to do so. In this guide, we’ll walk you through both methods for changing user passwords effectively.

Method 1: Using the Command Line

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the terminal on your Ubuntu system.

Step 2: Change Your Own Password

To change your own password, simply type the following command:

passwd

• You will be prompted to enter your current password, followed by your new password twice for confirmation.

Step 3: Change Another User’s Password

If you need to change another user’s password, execute the following command:

sudo passwd username

Replace username with the actual username of the account you want to modify. Administrative privileges are required for this action.

• After entering the command, you will be prompted to enter a new password for that user and confirm it.

Example Usage

sudo passwd john

This command changes the password for the user john.

Method 2: Using the Graphical Interface

Step 1: Open Settings

Click on the system menu located in the top right corner and select Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Users

In the Settings window, go to the Users section to manage user accounts.

Step 3: Unlock Settings

To make any changes, click on the Unlock button in the top right corner and enter your password when prompted.

Step 4: Select User

Click on the user account for which you want to change the password.

Step 5: Change Password

Click on the Password field. A dialog will pop up, asking for your current password and then prompting you to enter a new password.

Step 6: Confirm Changes

After entering and confirming your new password, click on Change to finalize the update.

Conclusion

Changing user passwords in Ubuntu can be done easily, whether through the command line or a graphical interface. Choose the method that suits your preference and keep your user accounts secure. For more tips on user management and Ubuntu features, be sure to check out our other articles on CodeAllow.