Change User In Linux

The su command (short for Substitute User) is a fundamental Linux utility that allows you to switch your current shell session to another user account. It is widely used in system administration to gain root access, test user permissions, and execute commands as different users. Linux systems have different types of users.

Learn how to switch the users in Linux command line or how to change to the root user in Linux. Learn how to use the su command to run commands with another user's privileges, by default the root user. See the syntax, options, and examples of switching to root or other users in Linux.

To switch the terminal session to a different user, where that user can't exit back into the original user, use exec: This will technically login the new user in a new term process, and close out the current one. Learn when to use su vs sudo to switch users on Linux including what to do when you don't know the target user's password. The su Linux command switches users and elevates privileges in a session.

This guide shows how it works and when to use it. The "su" command, which stands for "switch user" or "substitute user," makes it easy to change to another user in Linux. Or, if you just want to execute a command as another user without logging in as them, you can use "sudo," or "superuser do." Read on to learn how.

In this article, we will explore some different methods on how to switch users right from your Linux terminal, regardless of if you want to perform administrative tasks or simply need to execute commands as a super user. Learn what Linux change user really means, from switching accounts and running commands as another user to fixing file ownership. Understand key tasks like reassigning permissions and renaming accounts with the right commands.

This guide will walk you through **all common methods to switch users on Linux**, including terminal commands, GUI workflows, best practices, and troubleshooting tips.