If you’ve lost or forgotten your Linux password, don’t worry—you can regain access to your system by resetting the password. This guide will walk you through the steps to reset a lost password on a Linux server or VPS. Whether you’re managing a dedicated server or a virtual private server (VPS), these steps will help you regain control quickly.
Steps to Reset a Lost Password in Linux
1. Reboot the System
First, you need to reboot your Linux server or VPS. If you’re using a dedicated server, you can do this via the physical console or a remote management tool like IPMI. For a VPS, use the reboot option in our VPS control panel.
2. Access GRUB Menu
During the reboot process, you’ll need to access the GRUB (Grand Unified Bootloader) menu. To do this:
As soon as the system starts booting, press and hold the Shift key (for BIOS systems) or the Esc key (for UEFI systems) to bring up the GRUB menu.
3. Edit the Boot Entry
- In the GRUB menu, select the Linux kernel you want to boot and press the e key to edit the boot entry.
- Look for the line that starts with
linuxorlinux16orlinuxefi(depending on your system). - Append the following to the end of that line:
rw init=/bin/bash
This will boot the system into a single-user mode with root privileges.
4. Boot into Single-User Mode
After editing the boot entry, press Ctrl + X or F10 to boot the system.
The system will boot into a root shell without requiring a password.
5. Reset the Password
Once in the root shell, you can reset the password for any user. For example, to reset the password for the user
admin, run:passwd admin
You’ll be prompted to enter a new password and confirm it. Make sure to choose a strong, secure password.
6. Remount the Filesystem as Read-Write
Before rebooting, ensure the filesystem is mounted as read-write to save the changes:
mount -o rw,remount /
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7. Reboot the System
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7. Reboot the System
- Finally, reboot the system to apply the changes:
exec /sbin/init
orreboot
8. Log in with the New Password
After the system reboots, log in using the new password you set.
Important Notes
Security: Always ensure your server is secure after resetting the password. Update all passwords and review access controls.
Physical Access: For dedicated servers, physical access or remote management tools like IPMI are required to perform these steps.
VPS Users: If you’re using a VPS, check your hosting provider’s control panel for a built-in password reset option, as some providers offer this feature for convenience.
Why Choose Our Dedicated Servers and VPS?
At Kwik Server, we understand the importance of reliable server management. Our dedicated servers and VPS hosting solutions come with robust support and easy-to-use management tools, ensuring you can focus on your business without worrying about technical hurdles. Whether you need a high-performance dedicated server or a scalable VPS, we’ve got you covered.
By following these steps, you can easily reset a lost password on your Linux server or VPS. If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is always here to help. Explore our range of dedicated servers and VPS hosting plans to find the perfect solution for your needs.
