Linux – Password has been used already. Choose another

Linux – Password has been used already. Choose another

root@linux:~ # passwd
Changing password for root.
New Password:
Reenter New Password:
Password has been used already. Choose another.
Password changed

Linux is keeping the old password stored on /etc/security/opasswd. Delete the line containing the user that you’re trying to change the password

You can also check the file /etc/pam.d/common-password and look for a line with the parameter remember.

password required pam_pwhistory.so use_authtok remember=6 retry=3