A sudo password is occasionally required in Desktop Mode when interacting with SteamOS on a Steam Deck or other devices. This guide outlines the process for setting, changing, and resetting this password.
While many operations, such as installing additional software, do not require a password, some advanced tasks will.
How to Set a Password
Setting a password is a straightforward process. Begin by switching to Desktop Mode through the power menu.
Next, open the Konsole terminal application.
Enter “passwd” into the terminal. The system will then prompt for a new password twice. After entering it, the password will be set.
The password has now been successfully established.
How to Change Your Password
Changing an existing password is simple, provided the current password is known.
Follow the same steps as for setting a password. The system will first request the current password before allowing a new one to be entered.
How to Reset a Forgotten Password
Resetting a forgotten password is more involved than a typical website account reset, but it does not require any additional downloads. A USB keyboard connected via a dock or hub is necessary, along with careful attention to detail.
This method has been verified to work with SteamOS 3.6.21. Follow these steps:
- Completely shut down the Steam Deck; avoid putting it to sleep.
- Hold the Quick Access Menu button (three dots) and tap the Power Button once to access the Boot Menu. Select the “Current + Boot Menu” option.
- With “SteamOS” selected on the first line, press “e” on the keyboard to edit the boot selection.
- Use the Down arrow key to navigate to the line beginning with “steamenv_boot”, then press END to move to the end of that line.
- Carefully type “systemd.debug_shell” (this change is temporary and will not be saved after reboot).
- Press CTRL + X to boot the system.
- Once SteamOS loads, press CTRL+ALT+F9 to open the terminal. Enter “passwd deck” (the default username for desktop mode is “deck”).
- Input the new password.
- Press CTRL+ALT+F1 to return to Gaming Mode. The process is complete.
This guide should prove helpful for managing your SteamOS desktop sudo password.
