Raspberry Pi has rolled out version 6.2 of Raspberry Pi OS, marking the second major update to the Trixie release that arrived last year. While most of the update focuses on small bug fixes and general improvements, there is one important change that stands out, and it’s all about security.

Over the past few months, the developers have been quietly refining the operating system, fixing issues and improving stability. This new update brings all those changes together into one package. However, alongside these fixes, the team has made a decision that changes how users interact with administrator-level commands.

Sudo commands are now password protected by default

For years, Raspberry Pi OS allowed users to run sudo commands without entering a password. This made things quick and simple, especially for beginners or those who frequently use the terminal. The sudo command, short for “superuser do,” lets a regular user perform tasks that normally require administrator privileges, like installing software or modifying system files.

While this setup was convenient, it also came with a downside. If someone gained access to your device, they could execute powerful system-level commands without any authentication. That creates a clear security risk, especially at a time when cyber threats are becoming more common in the age of AI.

With version 6.2, passwordless sudo is now disabled by default on new installations. This means that whenever you use a sudo command, you’ll be asked to enter your account password. Once entered correctly, the command will run as expected. If the password is wrong, the system simply blocks the action.

To keep things user-friendly, the system remembers your authentication for five minutes. During that time, you won’t need to re-enter your password for additional sudo commands. However, for those who prefer the old behavior, Raspberry Pi hasn’t removed the option completely. Users can still enable passwordless sudo by heading into the System settings and turning off the “Admin Password” toggle.

It’s also important to note that existing installations won’t be affected automatically. If you’re already using Raspberry Pi OS, your current setup will remain unchanged unless you decide to switch to the new setting.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.