Practical Method for Resetting vCenter Password – Safe Recovery Without Reinstall
Introduction
Recently, while upgrading a customer's vCenter, I encountered a situation where the root password was unknown. The customer also asked around but couldn't find it. To recover this root password, I did some research, and today I'm sharing it here. The practical environment for this operation: VMware vSphere vCenter 8.0.
Steps:
1. Use the Administrator@vsphere.local account to log in to https://vCenterIP:5480.
2. Navigate to the "Access" tab and check whether vCenter SSH login is enabled. If SSH remote access is not activated, click "Edit" and enable "Activate SSH Login."
3. Use the Administrator@vsphere.local account to SSH remotely into the vCenter server.
4. Type "shell.set --enabled true" to enable the shell function.
shell.set--enabled true
5. Type "shell" to enter the shell bash interface.
6. Use "sudo passwd root" to update the root password. Enter the new password twice.
7. Sometimes the account might be locked, so we need to unlock it first.
version before 8.0 u2
sudo pam_tally2 --user=root --reset
version after 8.0 u2 (include 8.0 u2)
sudo /usr/sbin/faillock --user root --reset
Your Can Refer to this VMware official document:
VMware Official vCenter Password Recovery Documentation
https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/index.htmlVMware vCSA Security & Access Management
https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/8.0/vsphere-security
🔍 Why vCenter Password Reset Is a Common Admin Challenge
Password-related lockouts are one of the most frequent vCenter operational issues, especially in environments with:
-
Password expiration policies
-
Staff turnover
-
MFA misconfiguration
-
Limited documentation
Using a practical and supported vCenter password reset method helps administrators restore access without risking data loss or reinstallation.
🛠 Common Scenarios That Require Resetting vCenter Passwords
You may need to reset a vCenter password when:
-
The root or administrator password is forgotten
-
vCenter services are running, but the login fails
-
Password expired, and SSH access is blocked
-
Appliance shell is disabled
-
Access is needed urgently during outages
This practical reset approach minimizes downtime and avoids unnecessary rebuilds.
✅ Best Practices Before Resetting vCenter Passwords
Before performing a password reset, always:
-
Take a snapshot of the vCenter appliance
-
Ensure console access via ESXi or vSphere
-
Confirm the exact vCenter version
-
Schedule a maintenance window if possible
These steps reduce the risk of recovery and help ensure a smooth reset process.
🔹 Password & Recovery Related
vCenter 8.0 Password Recovery from GRUB
https://anfuitblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/vcenter-80-password-recovery-from-grub.htmlHow to Reset VMware vCenter 6.7 Root Password
https://anfuitblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/how-to-reset-vmware-vcenter-67-root.html
🔹 Service & Access Troubleshooting
VMware vCenter 503 Service Unavailable – Troubleshooting Guide
https://anfuitblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/vmware-vcenter-503-service-unavailable.html