In Ubuntu, an open-source Linux-based operating system, the “root” user has complete administrative access and control over the system. Becoming root enables you to perform operations that would otherwise be restricted, making it easier to manage your system. However, this privilege comes with the responsibility of ensuring the system’s overall security and stability. In this article, we present a step-by-step guide on how to become root in Ubuntu.

1. Open the terminal: Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal window. Terminal is a vital tool for managing your Ubuntu system.

2. Update your system: Before making changes as root, update your Ubuntu installation by entering the following command:

sudo apt update

3. Upgrade your system: Following the update process, upgrade your installed packages with the command:
sudo apt upgrade

4. Install required software (optional): If your task requires specific software, install it using:
sudo apt install <package_name>

Replace `<package_name>` with the name of the software you want to install.

5. Enable the root account: To enable the root account, type:

sudopasswd root

6. Set a root password: When prompted, create a strong and unique password for the root account.

7. Switch to the root user: After setting up the password, switch to the root user by entering:

su – root

8. Verify that you are root: To confirm that you are now working as the root user, type:

whoami

If you see “root” in the output, then you have successfully switched to the root user.

9. Perform desired tasks: As a root user, you can now execute commands and perform tasks that require administrative privileges.

10. Exit the root user: When you have completed your tasks, it is essential to exit the root user to prevent unauthorized access to your system. To exit, simply type:

exit

This will return you to your regular user account.

Keep in mind that working as a root user comes with risks. Always exercise caution and double-check your actions before executing them. Misuse of root privileges can lead to data loss or damage to your system.