Recovery Mode in Ubuntu allows you to restore your system, change user passwords and gain root access to your Ubuntu machine in case of an emergency.

Since anyone with physical access to your machine can change user passwords, whereby gaining total access to your machine, disabling this feature will protect you from folks with physical access who want to gain access via recovery mode illegally.

However, disabling this feature will also deny you access in case of an emergency when you need to access your computer via recovery mode.

So, be careful when doing this, and have a very good reason for turning recovery mode off.

Objectives:

  • Disable Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04
  • Enjoy!

To get started, press Ctrl – Alt – T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below to open grub config file.

sudo gedit /etc/default/grub

 

recovery_precise

 

Next, uncomment the highlighted line shown below ( # ). Uncommenting means, removing the # symbol from the beginning of the line.

 

recovery_precise_1

 

Save the file and you’re done.

 

Finally, run the commands below to update GRUB2 in Ubuntu.

sudo update-grub2

 

The next time you reboot your computer, the recovery mode will not be shown on your boot menu as an option to select.

 

To read our previous on how to recover forgotten password using recovery mode, please click here.

 

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I disable Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin?

To disable Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04, you can open the terminal and run specific commands to edit the grub configuration file and update GRUB2.

What is the purpose of disabling Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04?

Disabling Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04 can protect your system from unauthorized access by individuals with physical access to your machine who may attempt to change user passwords.

What risks are associated with leaving Recovery Mode enabled in Ubuntu 12.04?

Leaving Recovery Mode enabled in Ubuntu 12.04 poses a security risk as it allows anyone with physical access to your machine to gain root access and potentially compromise your system.

How do I access the terminal in Ubuntu to disable Recovery Mode?

To access the terminal in Ubuntu, press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard to open it and execute the necessary commands to disable Recovery Mode.

Can disabling Recovery Mode impact my ability to recover my Ubuntu system in emergencies?

Yes, disabling Recovery Mode will prevent you from accessing the recovery options in case of emergencies, so it's important to consider the trade-off between security and emergency access.

Is it possible to re-enable Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04 after disabling it?

Yes, you can re-enable Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04 by reversing the steps taken to disable it, allowing you to regain access to recovery options if needed.

What precautions should I take before disabling Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04?

Before disabling Recovery Mode in Ubuntu 12.04, ensure you have alternative security measures in place and a backup plan for emergencies that may require recovery mode access.

Will disabling Recovery Mode improve the overall security of my Ubuntu 12.04 system?

Disabling Recovery Mode can enhance the security of your Ubuntu 12.04 system by mitigating the risk of unauthorized access through the recovery mode feature.