How to Reset Root Password on Steam Deck

The root password, also known as the superuser password, is a term commonly used in Unix-like operating systems, including Linux. The root account is the administrative account with unrestricted access and privileges to the entire system.

By default, Linux distributions often do not set a root password during installation. Instead, they rely on the use of the sudo (superuser do) command, which allows regular users to execute specific commands with temporary administrative privileges by providing their own user password.

However, if a root password is set on a Linux system, it grants full administrative access to the system. This password is typically known only to system administrators or users who require advanced access to the system.

How to Set Root Password on Steam Deck

There are a few reasons why you might want to set a root password on the Steam Deck. For one, it will protect your Steam Deck from unauthorized access as they will be able to do anything that you can do, including installing software, changing settings, and accessing files.

It also can be helpful in the event that you are having problems with your Steam Deck and need to access the root user account to fix the problem. But perhaps the most common reason to set a root password on Steam Deck is to install apps and games that aren’t available through the Steam store.

1. Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
2. Scroll down and select Power.
3. From the Power Menu, highlight and select Switch to Desktop.
   
4. Wait until your Steam Deck switches to Desktop Mode.
5. Open the Konsole (terminal) app. To do this, click on the Steam button in the taskbar and search for Konsole.
   
6. Once Konsole has loaded, type passwd and hit Return or Enter on your keyboard.
   
7. You’ll see a “New password” dialog appear in Konsole. Enter the password.
8. Re-enter the same password to confirm.
9. Once complete, you’ll see a message that says “password updated successfully”.

After you see that message, there’s nothing else that you need to do and you’ll have successfully set a root password on the Steam Deck. This will come in handy if you want to install some of the third-party apps and plugins that help to improve the overall experience on your Steam Deck.

How to Change Root Password on Steam Deck

Changing the root password in a Linux-based system can be beneficial for strengthening security by replacing the default or existing password with a unique and strong one. This helps safeguard the administrative privileges associated with the root account, preventing unauthorized access and protecting critical system files and settings. Changing the root password adds an extra layer of defense against potential security breaches and ensures that only authorized individuals with knowledge of the new password can gain unrestricted access to the system’s administrative capabilities.

1. Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
2. Scroll down and select Power.
3. From the Power Menu, highlight and select Switch to Desktop.
4. Wait until your Steam Deck switches to Desktop Mode.
5. Open the Konsole (terminal) app. To do this, click on the Steam button in the taskbar and search for Konsole.
6. Once Konsole has loaded, type sudo su.
   
7. When prompted, run the following command and hit Return:
   • passwd
     
8. Enter your current root password.
9. Enter a new root password.
10. Enter the new root password again to confirm.

Just make sure that you don’t forget the new password or that you changed the root password, otherwise, you’ll need to proceed with the next section.

How to Reset Root Password on Steam Deck

The first method for resetting your root password is not for the faint of heart. This is because doing so means that you’ll actually be restoring your Steam Deck to its factory setting, removing all of the different games, apps, and preferences that you have already set up. Nevertheless, if you need to reset root password on Steam Deck, here’s how you can do so:

1. Turn your Steam Deck on and make sure you’re logged in.
2. Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
3. From the menu, scroll down and select Settings.
4. Select System.
5. Scroll down until you reach the Advanced section.
6. Highlight and select the Factory Reset button.
7. Select the Factory Reset button again to confirm.

After a few moments, your Steam Deck will reset itself back to the factory settings, removing all of your installed applications, games, and other files that may be on the device. Once the Steam Deck is finished rebooting, then you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh start and can go through the steps above to set a root password.

Reset Root Password on Steam Deck Using Recovery Mode

One method that you might want to check out if you don’t want to lose any of the data is to reset root password on Steam Deck using Recovery Mode. This is one of those “hidden” options that you have, but there are a few things to do first before being able to reset the root password. First, you’ll need a few things:

• Windows or Mac computer
• Wireless or Wired keyboard
• USB Flash Drive or SD card with at least 8GB of storage.

Provided that you are equipped with everything you need, here’s how you can reset root password on Steam Deck using Recovery Mode:

1. Download the SteamOS Recovery Image to your computer.
2. Plug the USB drive into your computer.
3. Open the appropriate Utility software based on your computer’s operating system.
   • For Windows, Valve recommends using Rufus.
   • For Mac and/or Linux, Valve recommends Balena Etcher.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to select the SteamOS recovery file and write it to the USB drive.
5. Once the process is complete, eject the drive from your computer.
6. Connect a USB hub to your Steam Deck.
7. Plug in the newly-created recovery drive.
8. Shut down your Steam Deck completely.
9. Hold the Volume Down button.
10. Press and release the Power button.
11. When you hear a chime, release the Volume Down button.
12. From the Boot Manager, select the EFI USB Device.
13. Wait until you are booted into the Desktop environment.
14. Connect a keyboard to your Steam Deck, preferably a wireless keyboard unless your Steam Deck is connected to a docking station.
15. Double-click the Terminal with repair tools option on the Desktop.
16. Enter the three following commands, hitting Enter after each one.
    • sudo ~/tools/repair_device.sh chroot
    • rm -f /var/lib/overlays/etc/upper/passwd
    • rm -f /var/lib/overlays/etc/upper/shadow
17. Once all three have been successfully entered, restart your Steam Deck.
18. Once rebooted, press the Steam button on your Steam Deck
19. Scroll down and select Power.
20. From the Power Menu, highlight and select Switch to Desktop.
21. Wait until your Steam Deck switches to Desktop Mode.
22. Open the System Settings app.
23. Under the Personalization section in the left sidebar, click Users.
24. Highlight and select your user.
25. Click the Change Password button under the Email address option on the right side.
26. Enter a new root password twice, ensuring that they match.
27. Click the Set Password button.
28. When prompted, click the Change wallet password button.
29. Exit the System Settings app.

I have to admit that I’ve had to follow these steps a couple of times in the span of owning the Steam Deck. It might seem like a roundabout way just to change your root password, but these steps are necessary if you want to download and update different utilities that require root access. But the best part about this all is that you can follow these steps and won’t have to worry about losing any of the data on your Steam Deck.