Enable the root user in macOS Monterey and earlier macOS versions

Here is how you enable the root user in macOS Monterey and earlier macOS versions, the macOS root user is disabled by default when the OS is installed.

Macos Root Users Groups
Go to Users & Groups in System Preferences

As an admin user launch System Preferences from the Apple Menu and go to the User and Groups pane, you will need to authenticate first by clicking on the padlock icon down the bottom left, then click on Login Options to see some options on the right.

Macos Users Groups
Click Login Options then Join…

Then click the Join… button next to Network Account Server.

Macos Open Directory Utility
Click on Open Directory Utility

This will pop up a dialog window, from here click on Open Directory Utility…, this will launch the utility Directory Utility – go to the Edit menu and select Enable root user, then finally set a password for the root user.

Enable Root User Macos
Enable the Root user and add a password

That’s it the root user is now enabled.