Launch finder as root

Sometimes theres a need to dig around in the OS X file system without restriction, (which also means without protection) for example should you need access to files or folders, but don’t fancy switching permissions or playing with complex terminal commands.

Using the single lined command below in terminal you can launch an instance of finder which doesn’t hold any of the restrictions that your normal finder window holds.

Bear in mind this will also give you the ability to cause serious damage to your file system, should you go messing with things you shouldn’t.

Copy and paste the following into a terminal window and press return.

You will be prompted for your password, then a new finder instance should launch. It it doesn’t you should see a second set of icons overlaying your desktop icons. Double click the ‘root’ icon, and it should launch finder as root.

Remember boys and girls.. Be careful in there!

Mike Hudson

Mike Hudson is a Lead Cyber Security Analyst living and working in Kingston Upon Hull. With extensive experience in Microsoft and Apple technologies, ranging from desktop OS’s to Server OS’s and hardware. By day working as part of an infrastructure team, and by night ridding the world of IT issues through blog posts..

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