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