Linux usermod Guide

Linux usermod Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to usermod on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including modifying users, changing user properties, and user account management.

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Table of Contents

1. Understanding usermod
2. Modifying Users
3. User Properties
4. Group Management
5. Troubleshooting

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Understanding usermod

What is usermod?

usermod modifies existing user accounts.

Uses:

• Change properties: Modify user settings
• Add groups: Add user to groups
• Change shell: Update default shell
• Lock/unlock: Disable/enable accounts

Why it matters:

• User management: Update user accounts
• Permissions: Modify user access
• Configuration: Change user settings

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Modifying Users

Change Shell

Update shell:

# Change user shell
sudo usermod -s /bin/zsh username

# Change to fish
sudo usermod -s /usr/bin/fish username

Change Home Directory

Move home:

# Change home directory
sudo usermod -d /new/home/username -m username

# -m moves files

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User Properties

Change UID

Update user ID:

# Change UID
sudo usermod -u 1001 username

# Update file ownership
sudo find /home/username -user old-uid -exec chown username {} \;

Change GID

Update group:

# Change primary group
sudo usermod -g groupname username

# Or by GID
sudo usermod -g 1001 username

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Group Management

Add to Groups

Add groups:

# Add to group (append)
sudo usermod -aG groupname username

# Add to multiple groups
sudo usermod -aG group1,group2 username

Set Groups

Replace groups:

# Set groups (replaces)
sudo usermod -G group1,group2 username

# Note: -G replaces, -aG appends

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Troubleshooting

usermod Errors

Check user:

# Verify user exists
id username

# Check current groups
groups username

# Check home directory
ls -la /home/username

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Summary

This guide covered usermod usage, user modification, and account management for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.

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Next Steps

• useradd Guide - User creation
• User and Groups - User management
• groupadd Guide - Group management
• usermod Documentation: man usermod

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This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.