Guide: How to Add a New User in Linux

The Linux operating system is known for its security and flexibility, allowing users to configure the system to their needs. One of the useful features of Linux, as well as other Unix-like systems, is the support for multiple users.

This feature dates back to the times when Unix-based computers (including Linux) were massive machines occupying entire rooms. A multi-user architecture was essential to allow multiple people to efficiently use such computing machines simultaneously while maintaining data and settings isolation for each user.

Today, this functionality remains relevant, as modern servers, cloud platforms, and even home computers are often used by multiple users. This ensures that each person can work independently without interfering with others and while keeping their data secure.

In this guide, we will explain in detail how to create a new user through the Linux terminal. Even if you're a beginner, don't worry — everything will be simple and clear.

What You Need to Know Before Starting

1. Administrator privileges. To add new users, you need access to an account with superuser rights (sudo).

2. Basic commands. We will use the useradd and passwd commands to create a user and set a password.

Step 1: Checking Default Settings

Before proceeding, it’s useful to check the default parameters. Run the following command:

useradd -D

This command will display default settings, such as the user’s home directory or assigned shell. You can modify these settings if necessary.

Step 2: Creating a User

To create a new user, execute the following command in the terminal:

sudo useradd -m username

The -m flag automatically creates a home directory at /home/username.

Replace username with the desired username.

Next, generate a password for the newly created user:

sudo passwd username

The system will ask you to enter the password twice to prevent errors.

Now your user is created and ready to use!

Usage Examples

Example 1: User with a Custom Home Directory

If you want the user’s home directory to be located somewhere other than the default /home, specify the path using the -d flag:

sudo useradd -m -d /custom/path username

Set the password as usual:

sudo passwd username

Example 2: Temporary User with an Expiration Date

Sometimes, you may need to create a user with a limited lifespan. For example, to expire on October 1, 2025:

sudo useradd -m -e 2025-10-01 username

sudo passwd username

The -e flag sets the expiration date for the account.

Example 3: System User Without a Home Directory

If you need a system user without unnecessary settings, use the following command:

sudo useradd -r -M -s /bin/false -c "System User" username

→ -r creates a system user.

→ -M ensures that no home directory is created.

→ -s /bin/false prevents login access.

→ -c "System User" adds a description (visible in the /etc/passwd file).

System users (created with the -r flag) are not meant for logging in. They are used for background processes, services, and daemons, such as:

→ mysql

→ nginx

→ www-data

→ sshd

→ backup

Useful Commands and Files

List of users:

cat /etc/passwd

Check password status:

sudo chage -l username

Now you know how to add a user in Linux. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to check the command manuals using man useradd! Good luck! 🚀