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How to Reset the Root Password in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (Two Proven Methods)

Resetting the root password is a core Linux skill. Whether you are studying for the RHCSA exam or recovering a production system, two reliable methods are available:

  • The rd.break method
  • The init=/bin/bash method

Both approaches give you low-level access to the system before the login screen, and both allow you to safely reset the root password, including proper SELinux handling.

Why Learn Both?​

There is no official mandate requiring one method over the other for the RHCSA exam. Red Hat expects you to solve problems using Linux tools. Each method has different behavior and use cases.

info

Knowing both methods helps you handle:

  • Boot failures where systemd may not start
  • Environments with different init setups
  • Recovery under pressure during exams or emergencies

Method Comparison​

Featurerd.breakinit=/bin/bash
Boot environmentEmergency shellMinimal root shell
PID 1 processsystemdbash
Reboot command worksYesNo
FilesystemRead-only initiallyRead-only initially
SELinux relabel neededYesYes
Safe reboot methodexit (twice)exec /usr/lib/systemd/systemd
Method 1: Reset Root Password Using rd.break

1. Reboot and access GRUB​

When the GRUB menu appears, press e.

2. Locate the kernel line​

Find the line beginning with linux or linuxefi, usually ending in:

rhgb quiet

3. Append rd.break to the end​

rhgb quiet rd.break

4. Boot the system​

Press Ctrl + x to boot into an emergency shell.

5. Remount the root filesystem​

mount -o remount,rw /sysroot

6. Enter the real root filesystem​

chroot /sysroot

7. Reset the password​

passwd

8. Prepare SELinux relabeling​

touch /.autorelabel

9. Exit and reboot​

exit
exit

You will reboot, SELinux will relabel, and the login screen will appear.

Method 2: Reset Root Password Using init=/bin/bash

1. Reboot and access GRUB​

Press e at the GRUB screen.

2. Locate the kernel line​

Look for the line starting with linux or linuxefi.

3. Add init=/bin/bash at the end​

init=/bin/bash

Example:

linux /vmlinuz-... ro init=/bin/bash

4. Boot into the shell​

Press Ctrl + x.

5. Remount root as writable​

mount -o remount,rw /

6. Change the root password​

passwd

7. Prepare SELinux relabel​

touch /.autorelabel

8. Replace bash with systemd​

exec /usr/lib/systemd/systemd

This lets the system finish booting normally.

What Is PID 1 and Why Does It Matter?​

tip

Every process in Linux has a Process ID (PID). PID 1 is the first process started by the kernel. It manages system startup, services, and shutdown.

  • Normally, systemd is PID 1
  • When you boot using init=/bin/bash, bash becomes PID 1
  • In this state, reboot and exit will not work properly
  • Use this command to hand control back to systemd:
exec /usr/lib/systemd/systemd

Verifying the Password Reset​

After reboot, test root access:

su -

If your prompt changes to root@hostname, the reset worked.

RHCSA Practice Tips​

  • Use rd.break for daily practice
  • Try init=/bin/bash weekly to understand how boot and PID 1 work
  • Always remount the root filesystem and relabel with touch /.autorelabel
  • Time yourself as part of exam prep

Mastering both methods gives you confidence for the exam and control in the real world.