Android: How to root a Nexus 7

At time of rooting, my Nexus 7 was on Android 4.2.1 (Jellybean, base build JOP40D) running on a Windows 7 machine.

First of all, I'd like to say this is not an ideal process for the average consumer. Rooting a phone is still harder than it should be, and there is lots of lingo a typical person would not know.

Secondly, I'd like to say that Nexus Root Toolkit software package by WugFresh is simply AMAZING. Props to you, I would have easily spent a whole day doing this without it!

*Updated 5/9/2014*

Took the chance to update the tutorial with newer screenshots and instructions after an Android update.

Preparing the tablet

First step, get Nexus Root Toolkit (NRT).

• Leave the tablet unplugged
• Download and run NRT (as administrator)
• Once it's updated all the information it needs, it'll ask u to select a device
• Click on "Auto detect device + build..." and then Apply

• NRT will ask to make sure that your device has debugging enabled.
• Follow the instructions on the screen.

On the tablet:

• Enable debugging on your tablet by going to
  "About phone/tablet" > Tap build number 7 times
• Press back
• There should now be a "Developers" item above the "About" item
• Tick "USB debugging" and confirm

Back on NRT:

• Press OK to continue
• The program will automatically download all the needed files, so let NRT do it's thing.
• (you may not need to) Click OK to confirm download of the modified boot.
• (you may not need to) Click OK to confirm download of the TWRP recovery
• You'll now be presented with the main window

Unlocking

Some providers will lock you out of the device so you can't modify the kernel files.

• Now on the NRT, unlock the device
• The N7 will reboot again
• When asked, press Power to confirm "unlock"
• The N7 will reboot again
• Perform the initial setup
• Re-enable USB debugging via developer options
• Now device is unlocked and ready to root

Let's root!

On the tablet:

• Unlock the device and make sure it stays awake

On the main screen:

• Click on the "Root" button
• Click "OK" to begin
• Wait for it to finish (there's a few reboots involved)
• Once the success message appears, you're done!
• Check to see if there's a "SuperSU" app installed
• Run it and see if it works

And there you have it! If you really appreciate the trouble that wugfresh has gone through to get this toolkit up and running, donate a bit to him via the link below.

A message to anyone donating (it's not wugfresh,
but I assume he'd be in the same pose)

Sources

• Nexus Root Toolkit @ wugfresh.com