chsh

Additional Notes

chsh changes the login shell recorded for a user account. The login shell is the program started when the user logs in through normal login paths.

Use it when switching between shells such as bash, zsh, or fish.

Syntax

chsh [options] [user]

Parameters

• user: Account whose shell should be changed.
• shell: New shell path, usually selected with -s.
• options: Listing and shell-selection flags.

Common Options

• -s SHELL: Set login shell.
• -l: List valid shells on some systems.

Examples

chsh -s /bin/bash

Set your login shell to Bash.

sudo chsh -s /usr/bin/zsh alice

Change another user's shell.

cat /etc/shells

View allowed login shells.

getent passwd alice

Check the account entry and shell field.

Practical Notes

• The shell normally must be listed in /etc/shells.
• Changes may apply on the next login, not to the current terminal.
• Use usermod -s SHELL USER as another administrative method.