Summary

This article has frequently asked questions regarding MyAccount and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR).

 

Questions

Q1 - What are MyAccount and SSPR?

Q2 - How do I access MyAccount?

Q3 - What information do I need to update my password?

Q4 - Why do I need to provide a non-USNH email address?

Q5 -​ ​​​What's the difference between password recovery and MFA sign-in methods?

Q6 - How can I tell if I have set up my password recovery options in MyAccount?

 

Answers

A1 -  What are MyAccount and SSPR?

• USNH accounts and passwords are managed through Microsoft's MyAccount and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) tools. 
• MyAccount - Visit https://myaccount.microsoft.com to change your password, manage your account verification methods and security options, or to claim your account for the first time. 
• Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) - Use the "Forgot my password" or "Can’t access your account?" link to reset your password if you have forgotten it or it no longer works.
• Back to Questions

 

A2 - How do I access MyAccount?

• Access MyAccount at https://myaccount.microsoft.com
  • Sign in with your username@usnh.edu (fully qualified username), like jbd2519@usnh.edu to access MyAccount
  • If your password doesn't work, use the "Forgot my password" link to reset your password first, then sign into MyAccount with your new password.
• Back to Questions

 

A3 - What information do I need to update my password?

• Your username@usnh.edu (fully qualified username), like jbd2519@usnh.edu, to let Microsoft know who you are.
• If you know your current password, you sign in with your current password then choose to Change Password.
• If you've forgotten your password, that's where your non-USNH recovery email address or mobile phone number come in. By using these methods of verification, SSPR can verify that you are who you say you are, and allow you to reset your own password and self-recover your account.
• Back to Questions

 

A4 - Why do I need to provide a non-USNH email address?

• The alternate email address is one of the tools we use for password resets and, rarely, notifications if your organizational email address is unavailable.
• It must be a non-USNH email address so you are able to access it even when you are not able to access your USNH account.
• Back to Questions

 

A5 - What's the difference between password recovery and MFA sign-in methods?

• For Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), you can use the Microsoft Authenticator app, phone number(s), or a physical security key like a YubiKey.
• For password recovery, you must have a non-USNH email address on file.  A mobile phone (but not a land line) can also be used for password recovery. 
  • The email address will not appear as an MFA option when signing into a resource protected by MFA. The email address is for password recovery only.
• Back to Questions

 

A6 - How can I tell if I have set up my password recovery options in MyAccount?

• Sign into myaccount.microsoft.com 
  • If you have not yet set up your password recovery options, the system will ask you to do so when you log in.  
  • If you have set up your password recovery options, it will show you squares with options for what to do next.
• Look for the "Security Info" box and click on UPDATE INFO to view or change your existing password recovery and MFA authentication sign-in methods.
• See full instructions in the article on updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification
• Back to Questions

 

Further Readings

MyAccount: Resources - list of helpful MyAccount articles

MyAccount: Updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification

About USNH Accounts, Usernames, and Email Addresses

https://myaccount.microsoft.com 

 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.