# Change a FileWave Appliance Password in Webmin

<p class="callout info">FileWave 15.5.0 and later appliances use the **fwadmin** account and force a password change at first login. The **root** account is disabled on these appliances, but Webmin remains available and can change the **fwadmin** password.</p>

Use this procedure to change the appliance administrator password through Webmin. Select **fwadmin** on FileWave 15.5.0 and later appliances or **root** on version 12.x through 15.4.x. Perform the change from a trusted administrator workstation and do not leave the default password in place.

<p class="callout info">The screenshots show the legacy **root** workflow. The Webmin controls are the same on newer appliances, but select **fwadmin** instead.</p>

## Change the password in Webmin

1. Use the virtual machine console to identify the appliance's management address, as shown below.

![FileWave appliance console showing its management address](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/I8IO5XU3pyeRETd8-resetpassword1.png)

2\. Open the displayed address in a browser. A factory appliance can present a self-signed certificate warning. Before proceeding, confirm that the hostname or IP address matches the appliance console and that you are on the intended administrative network.

![Browser certificate warning for a legacy FileWave appliance](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/jVyPALRdBHAqrIkq-resetpassword2.png)

<p class="callout info">Webmin uses TCP port `10000`. Allow access only from the administrator workstation or trusted management network, and remove any temporary firewall rule after the password change.</p>

3\. Sign in to Webmin with the appliance administrator account and its current password: use `fwadmin` on FileWave 15.5.0 and later, or `root` on version 12.x through 15.4.x. The factory password is `filewave`; replace it immediately if it is still in use.

![Webmin login page on a legacy FileWave appliance](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/T0Roqu4aLG6cGd4v-resetpassword3.png)

4\. Open **System** and select **Change Passwords**.

![Change Passwords under the Webmin System menu](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/AKrdq4Lz657rR4vf-resetpassword4.png)

5\. Select **fwadmin** on FileWave 15.5.0 and later, or **root** on version 12.x through 15.4.x. The **root** account is disabled on newer appliances, so changing its password does not change the appliance administrator password.

![Root user selected in Webmin Change Passwords](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/8tgzJbHZBse16Bap-resetpassword5.png)

6\. Enter and confirm a unique password, then select **Change**. Store it in your organization's approved credential manager.

![New password fields and Change button in Webmin](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/RpxBBriAd1rmpzvB-resetpassword6.png)

7\. Confirm that Webmin reports the password change as successful.

![Webmin confirmation after changing the appliance password](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/joFh78vWwB2iFw7w-resetpassword7.png)

8\. Sign out of Webmin, then sign back in with the same account and the new password before closing the maintenance window.