How can I reset my forgotten Zorin OS password?
Asked by
MellowCedar42
I installed Zorin OS on my laptop a few months ago, then stopped using it and forgot the account password. I can still log in automatically to the desktop because that was enabled, but I need the password to install games and other software. Is there a way to reset it while I'm already logged in?
Answers
Since you can reach the desktop, open the Terminal and find your username with `whoami`. Then try `sudo passwd YOUR_USERNAME`, replacing `YOUR_USERNAME` with the name shown by `whoami`. Enter your current account password if prompted, then type the new password twice. Automatic login does not remove the password—it only skips asking for it at startup.
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If `sudo` requires the forgotten password, restart the laptop and open Zorin’s recovery options from the boot menu. Choose a root shell, remount the system as writable if prompted, and run `passwd YOUR_USERNAME` to set a new password. Then reboot normally. The exact recovery-menu labels can vary, so be careful to change the password for the correct account and avoid deleting files.
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MellowCedar42: I can access the desktop normally, so I’ll try opening Terminal from there. What if `sudo` asks for the password I forgot?