Reset Forgotten Ubuntu Linux Password on WSL

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a handy tool for people who want to enjoy the power of Linux command line from the comfort of Windows.

When you install Linux using WSL on Windows, you are asked to create a username and password. This user is automatically logged on when you start Linux on WSL.

Now, the problem is that if you haven’t used it for some time, you may forget the account password of WSL. And this will become a problem if you have to use a command with sudo because here you’ll need to enter the password.

Don’t worry. You can easily reset the WSL Password. Just follow the video.

Step 1: Switch to root as default user

ubuntu config --default-user root

Step 2: Reset the password for the account

passwd username

You have to change the username in the above command with the actual user name.

Step 3: Set regular user as default again

ubuntu config --default-user username

[wesam]

Short, simple, and extremely helpful. You saved us hours of search through the internet. Thank you so much!

[adamhinsane]

Thank you this is like the fifth one I've watched and I finally found a tutorial that worked!

[bobijesalmon]

Works great for me. However, had to use "ubuntu config --default-user root" as opposed to "ubuntu2004 config --default-user root" even though 20.04 is my actual version as well. But great help.

[syedabdullah]

Commenting to help the algorithm. Simple and clear instructions, and straight to the point. Love this.

[alkarani]

Just " ubuntu config --default-user root " worked for me. I have ubuntu 20.04.1. Thanks alot.

[SadhamHussainsree]

Thank you so much.I searched multiple websites to resolve this, but just a 3 minutes video solved my problem.Thanks a lot.Keep up the good work.

[fjjosh]

great help, after struggling for about 2hrs going through different sites with no positive outcome. Thank you are making the world a difference I now have a new skill under my belt

[bukolatestimony]

The best solution for me so far. I have checked several. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[raaghavendrahm]

Thank you, buddy! The only tutorial that worked at the first shot!

[habibmukus]

I wish all tutorials were as simple as this one. thanks a lot

[bejaises]

Wonderful, i have an open ticket from a user who needs this done, if anyone is getting the "Not Recognized as an Internal or External Command" just use ubuntu in the command without the version number tagged on, works perfectly

[EngineeringVignettes]

*Note:* Command (unbuntu2004 or other) may not be found.
SOLUTION: The WSL2 applications are usually saved into your AppData\Local directory. change directory to (does not work in a powershell, use "cmd") and list the contents of this directory. You will find the WSL2 VM image executables there. This directory may not be in your systems PATH environmental variable, so run the program from this directory.
Cheers,

[LuffyMonkey]

omg thank you so much. i am new to ubuntu and linux, and i needed to set up ubuntu for a school course. i was not expecting that the password when you entered it would not show, so i entered in a password that wasnt the password i actually wanted to create, so i was trying to figure out how to reset the password. there were so many articles and videos online that were complicated and complex and didnt get straight into the solution, but your video did. your video was simple and to the point and i was able to fix it in a few minutes. thank you so much for your help

[ankitparekh]

after R&D I got a real video thanks man..other all videos are fake...your video completely worked.

[final_friday]

Exactly what I needed! Clear, to the point, works. Thank you!

[edwardhoskins]

Hello Luss! You are a angle man! You get right into this problem, very specific. Thank you so much for the video, and I hope you continue with your channel godly😊 computer advice

[oopkennaoof]

Very easy to follow step-by-step instructions, and worked for me! Thanks so much.

[ridwaanullaahadebayo]

thanks, worked like magic

and your explanation was very friendly too. thanks again

[altomhussain]

I was able to update my password successfully only following your steps. Very clear instructions Thanks you very much, appreicated a lot brother.

[icarous_]

I love this video, it was exactly what I need and I didn't have to listen the full history of Linux as an Intro of the video