How to allow GUI root login on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa Linux

In this article you will find out how to allow the root user to login to GUI gnome Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa.

In this tutorial you will learn:

Allow GUI root login on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa Linux Desktop

Software Requirements and Conventions Used

Software Requirements and Linux Command Line Conventions
Category	Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used
System	Installed Ubuntu 20.04 or upgraded Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa
Software	N/A
Other	Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the `sudo` command.
Conventions	# – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of `sudo` command $ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user

First step is to set root password:
```
$ sudo passwd
```
The above command will set a root password which will be later user to login to GUI.
Next, step is to edit the /etc/gdm3/custom.conf GDM configuration file to allow root login.

use your favourite text editor and as a root user edit the /etc/gdm3/custom.conf file to add the AllowRoot=true line.

Next, edit PAM authentication daemon configuration file /etc/pam.d/gdm-password and comment line which denies root access to graphical user interface.
To do so edit file /etc/pam.d/gdm-password and put # in front of the line containing:
```
auth   required        pam_succeed_if.so user != root quiet_success
```
Comment line which denies root’s access to graphical user interface
All done. Reboot your Ubuntu system.

Upon a new login select Not listed? and enter root’s credentials.