Permissions and users
Linux commands: passwd
Learn how the Linux passwd command changes your password through an interactive prompt, and how root can set another user's password without the old one.
8 minute lesson
Change your own account password interactively:
passwdThe program reads passwords without displaying them. Depending on the system and authentication setup, it may ask for the current password before accepting a new one:
An administrator can start the interactive flow for another account:
sudo passwd usernameDo not put the new password on the command line. Command arguments may appear in shell history or process listings, and the common passwd interface does not take a plaintext password as a second argument.
If a password change is rejected, read the exact message. Systems can enforce minimum length, history, complexity, account state, or directory-service policy. Repeatedly trying small variations does not diagnose which rule failed.
Changing a local Unix password may not change an SSH key, cloud identity, Apple ID, or organization directory password. First identify which authentication system the login actually uses.
Administrators can inspect account-aging information with platform-specific tools such as chage on Linux. Locking, expiring, or resetting an account is security-sensitive: verify the username and keep another administrative session available when working remotely.
Try it on a disposable local account or lab machine. Confirm the command prompts interactively and that no password appears in history.
Lesson completed