[Software] Cannot log into root account

[C8ha[ot-ajo]

Okay, I just installed Debian 12 and cannot log in as root, nor do I have sudo privileges. I can use Synaptic just fine. I haven't tried opening anything else as root. I am not a total stranger to the terminal. I actually need it to accomplish certain things. Is this a glitch in the Debian system? Just don't tell me I have to reinstall again.

[sunrat]

Do you mean you can't log in to root in a terminal? It's not possible to do by default in a graphical environment.
During installation, you need to set either a root password or a sudo password. Did you forget it?

[FreewheelinFrank]

If you literally mean log into the root account, then no, you can't, it's disabled at the login screen, for good reason.

One does not simply walk into Mordor log in as root.

One acquires superuser privileges with

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su -

Have you tried that? There is obviously not a problem with the password if you can use Synaptic.

[C8ha[ot-ajo]

Okay su - gives me a root prompt but I don't really want it. The problem is the sudo privileges in the safer user account.

[sunrat]

So you didn't set up sudo during installation then.
Check if your user is in sudo group with the command , as user:

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groups

You can add your user to sudo group by first elevating root privileges:

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su -

be sure to add the dash! Then:

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adduser <username> sudo

Of course replace <username> with your actual username.

[FreewheelinFrank]

If you enter a root password at install, sudo is not set up. You have to set it up post install.

https://wiki.debian.org/sudo/

Edit:Sorry sunrat. Didn't notice you had just posted.

[C8ha[ot-ajo]

Okay I am in the group with with a bunch of software. I tried the adduser thing but still get the error: paul is not in the sudoers file.

[sunrat]

You need to explain better. What does "a bunch of software" mean? sudo group should be in sudoers by default. You don't need your username in there as well.
Does sudo show when you run groups as user?
You do need to restart for the change to take effect.

[peer]

When I install debian I enable root so sudo is not installed
After installation I do:

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su -
apt update
apt install sudo
usermod -a -G sudo <username>

Then reboot

[C8ha[ot-ajo]

After the restart it worked. Thank you guys for all your help!