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User and Group Management

passwd

Changes user passwords and password state.

passwd updates a user's authentication password. Administrators can also lock, unlock, or expire passwords depending on options.

Syntax
passwd [options] [user]

Arguments explained

  • user is optional for your own password.
  • -l locks an account password on many systems.
  • -u unlocks.
  • -e expires a password.

Common examples

Change your password
passwd

Prompts for your current password and a new one.

Change another user's password
sudo passwd alex

Administrator changes alex's password.

passwd Command
FieldDetails
Commandpasswd
CategoryUser and Group Management
Primary useChanges user passwords and password state.
Syntaxpasswd [options] [user]

Related articles

useradd

Creates user accounts.

usermod

Modifies existing user accounts.

sudo

Runs a command with elevated privileges according to policy.