MyAccount: Resetting Your Password

This article includes instruction on how to reset your own password if you've forgotten it or it no longer works.  The same instructions allow you to recover your account if it has expired due to an old password.  This process uses Microsoft's Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) tool.  In order to use this tool, you need first to have set up your personal email and/or cell phone as a sign-in method for password recovery.

Summary

This article includes instruction on how to reset your own password if you've forgotten it or it no longer works. The same instructions allow you to recover your account if it has expired due to an old password.

This process uses Microsoft's Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) tool. In order to use this tool, you need first to have set up your personal email and/or cell phone as a sign-in method for password recovery. See full instructions in article Updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification.

​​​​​This article covers the self-service method to reset your own password if you’ve forgotten it or it has expired. If this does not sound like what you’re trying to do, please visit our MyAccount Resources article or call your campus help desk.

 

These instructions also apply to non-primary accounts created as of June 2024. In the instructions below:

• Use the non-primary account's AccountName@usnh.edu, instead of your primary username@usnh.edu (Steps 2, 4, and 9). 
• Use your primary campus email address as your alternate email address (Steps 5 and 6).
• Note: Some non-primary account passwords must be changed more often than annually.

 

Policy

Per USNH Password Policy, passwords must be changed annually. Any accounts that are not in compliance with USNH Password Policy will expire in order to secure your personal and institutional data. Recovering an expired account involves using multiple factors of identity verification through the Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) process detailed below.

 

How-to

Helpful Tip: Think up a new password that follows the USNH Password Policy and Password Best Practices before you begin the process below. It may be helpful to write it down and make notes if you change any part of the password during the process below.

Note: If you are using a university-issued computer (desktop or laptop, either Windows or Apple MacOS), see also the special note at the end of the process below, with additional steps to take on your university-issued computer.

Instructions

Step 1 - On your computer, browse to https://myaccount.microsoft.com . A generic Microsoft "Sign in" screen will appear.

Note: If you do not see this "Sign in" screen, you may already be signed into a Microsoft account (such as a personal or previous school or employer account). To access your USNH account instead:

• Switch to a different web browser or a private/incognito browser window, where you are not currently logged into any Microsoft account.
• Or in your Microsoft account screen, click on your initials/profile picture in the upper right and choose "Sign out". After the sign out is complete, close/quit your browser, then open the browser and try this Step 1 again.

Step 2 - In the "Email or phone" field, type your username@usnh.edu (Fully Qualified Username), for example: jbd2519@usnh.edu, then click "Next". Note: For more information about usernames at USNH, see the FAQ for USNH Accounts. 

Step 3 - The USNH branded "Enter password" screen will appear, with Chocorua Lake in the background. Click the "Forgot my password" link.

 

Step 4 - Your username@usnh.edu should already be filled in. Type the letters to prove you are a human, then click "Next".

 

Step 5 - At verification step 1, choose if you want to receive a code in your alternate email or by text or call to your mobile phone. Click the option you prefer on the left then complete your choice on the right. Click the button (labelled "Next" or "Text" or "Call", depending on your choice) to continue.

Note: Which options appear here depends on the recovery methods you have previously set up. To change the options you see here, see instructions in article Updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification.

Step 6 - Complete verification step 1, depending on your choice above:

• If you chose "Email my alternate email", open your email and find the message with the code from Microsoft on behalf of USNH (msonlineservicesteam@microsoftonline.com). Type the code into the "Enter your verification code" box, then click "Next". Note: if you do not readily find the message, check your spam or junk mail folders.
• If you chose "Text my mobile phone", you will have to find the text with a 6-digit code, then type that code on the "Enter code" screen.
• If you chose an automated call, you will have to answer the phone and press the # sign on the phone when prompted.

Step 7 - At choose a new password, create a new password and confirm it, then click "Finish". Your password must be 14 to 64 characters in length with no other complexity requirements. See the USNH Password Policy for full details and Password Best Practices for guidance.

 

Step 8 - You will see a confirmation screen that "Your password has been reset". Use the "click here" link on the confirmation screen to proceed to the Microsoft Sign in page.

 

Step 9 - In the "Email or phone" field, type your username@usnh.edu (Fully Qualified Username), for example: jbd2519@usnh.edu, then click "Next".

Step 10 - You will see the USNH login page.Type your new USNH password and click "Sign in".

Step 11 - You will see your "My Account" page. This is a good opportunity to verify and (if necessary) update your Security Info sign-in methods, to be sure they are still current. When you are finished, close the browser.

Step 12 - Open your browser again and browse to your Microsoft M365 portal at https://portal.office.com or Outlook Online at https://outlook.office.com . Enter your new password if prompted and verify your identity with MFA if required.

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Outcome

Your USNH password has been reset and you are again able to log into USNH resources with your username@usnh.edu and your new password.

Remember to update any password managers or saved logins. Turn your devices on one at a time and verify that you can access the USNH resources you usually use.

If you are having trouble logging in, try a different web browser, a private or incognito browser window, or clearing your browser's cache and cookies.

 

Further Readings

MyAccount Resources

Accounts: FAQ for USNH Accounts

https://myaccount.microsoft.com 

Updating Security Info for password recovery and MFA verification

Password Best Practices

USNH Password Policy 

How to Clear your Web Browser’s Cache, Cookies, and History

Staff and Faculty: How to update Windows devices after changing or resetting your password

Staff and Faculty: How to update Apple devices (MacOS) after changing or resetting your password

 

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 or account issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.