How to Switch Users in Linux Shell

One of the great benefits of using Shell is the ability to switch users while staying in the Shell window, as long as you have the other user’s passwords.


Step 1 Boot your computer and open a Shell window.

Step 2 Type the “su” command, followed by the user name that you would like to switch to, and press “enter.” The command line should look like this: su Mary.

Step 3 You will now be prompted for the user’s password. Once you enter the correct password for the user, then you will have access to all of the user’s files.

Step 4 Once you are finished with the other user’s account, you can easily return to your account by typing the command “exit.”