Windows
Linux
Security & Permissions
Users & Groups
Windows net user username /passwordreq equivalent in Linux
Sets or changes a user account password.
Windows
→
net user username /passwordreq
Linux equivalents
passwd
passwd
passwd
Overview
What this command does
Sets or changes a user account password.
Migration tip: Running
passwd with no arguments changes your own password. With sudo passwd username an admin can change anyone's password.Practical tasks
Common use cases
Change user passwords
Sets or changes a user account password.
passwd
Change your own password
sudo passwd john
Change another user's password
passwd -l john
Lock an account (disable login)
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
passwd
sudo passwd john
sudo passwd -l john
sudo passwd -u john
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: net user john * (prompts for new password)
passwd # change your own password
sudo passwd john # admin: change john's password
sudo passwd -l john # lock account (can't log in)
sudo passwd -u john # unlock accountReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
passwd | Change your own password |
sudo passwd john | Change another user's password |
passwd -l john | Lock an account (disable login) |
passwd -u john | Unlock an account |
passwd -e john | Force password change on next login |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | passwd |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | passwd |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | passwd |
Same command on this distribution. |
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