Related Article: How to enable the root user or change the root password on Mac

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Enable root user

I have a MacBook 16" with OS 12.6 and there is no menu: Enable root. What can I do?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Oct 1, 2022 7:35 AM

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Question marked as Apple recommended

Use the sudo command if you need to run a command.

Enter administrator commands in Terminal on Mac - Apple Support


Posted on Oct 1, 2022 7:39 AM

4 replies

Oct 1, 2022 9:08 AM in response to won-young

Very bad idea. There are always probes running around the internet attempting to find active 'root' accounts, because it is a well known user, and if you gain access, it is all powerful. This is why Macs, and most other flavors of Unix/Linux disable logins to the 'root' account by default and use the 'sudo' command from a terminal emulator to elevate a command so it has root access. Since 'sudo' wants your user account, which is not well known, it is much more difficult to login to a Mac because they need to know both your username AND your password.


But if you want to severly weaking your Mac's security, then

/System/Library/CoreServices/Applications/Directory Utility.app

Unlock the "Padlock" in lower left corner

Directory Utility -> Edit -> Enable Root User


Very VERY BAD IDEA!


Enable root user

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