IT Help Desk Hours
Hours: Mon - Thur 7:30AM-9PM, Fri 7:30AM-6PM, Sat 12-5PM, Sun 5-10PM (EST)
IT Help Desk > Knowledge base> Article: How do I reset/change my current, expired or forgotten password?

How do I reset/change my current, expired or forgotten password?

Article ID: 138131 Print
Question
How do I reset/change my current, expired or forgotten password?

Answer

How do I reset/change my current, expired or forgotten password?

Northwood University uses Microsoft's Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) system for easy password recovery. Simply register on my.northwood.edu to reset, unlock, or change your password with added security features.


Northwood is committed to a secure information technology environment and requires strong and unique passwords. Passwords that do not meet the following requirements or are otherwise found vulnerable will be rejected.

Passwords MUST meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 8 characters in length
  • Consist of at least 3 of the following 4 items
    • Uppercase letters (i.e. A-Z)
    • Lowercase letters (i.e. a-z)
    • Numbers (i.e. 0-9)
    • Special characters (i.e. !@#$%^&*)
  • Not contain the user's account name or parts of the user's full name that exceed two consecutive characters
  • Avoid using dictionary words
  • Previous passwords may NOT be reused

Passwords will expire and require a mandatory password change. A change reminder message will display within Blackboard 30 days before your password is set to expire and email notifications are sent 30-, 14-, and 7-1 days prior to password expiration until the password is changed.

You should change your password immediately if you feel it has been compromised.


**All Staff and Faculty who have been assigned a Northwood-owned computer MUST be ON CAMPUS or connected via VPN BEFORE their password expires to avoid password synchronization issues**

  1. On Northwood-owned Windows computers, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE simultaneously on your desktop
    • Northwood-owned Mac computers, use the "Students, Alumni, Staff and Faculty (without a Northwood-owned Windows computer) link below to change your password.)
  2. Select Change a password
  3. Enter your old password, and enter your newly created password twice in the appropriate fields
  4. Press Enter

NOTE: Please update your apps and saved browser passwords on all devices (laptop, desktop, smart device, etc.) configured to automatically connect to Northwood University resources such as email. Failure to do so may result in your Northwood account becoming locked.

  1. On your Northwood-owned computer
  2. Click Start
  3. Type osk
  4. Press Enter - this will open the on screen keyboard. (If this doesn’t work, press Windows+R to open your Run Command window. Type osk and click OK)
  5. Press and hold CTRL+ALT keys on your physical keyboard and then click on the DEL key in the virtual keyboard (on screen)
  6. Minimize the On Screen Keyboard
  7. Click Change a password

After changing your password, you'll receive a confirmation email from Microsoft on behalf of Northwood University

NOTE: Please update your apps and saved browser passwords on all devices (laptop, desktop, smart device, etc.) configured to automatically connect to Northwood University resources such as email. Failure to do so may result in your Northwood account becoming locked.

    1. Go to http://www.northwood.edu/pwreset
    2. Choose Change Your Current Password (you will be redirected to an authorized Microsoft site)
    3. If not already signed in, enter your full Northwood email address (e.g., [email protected]) and password
    4. Enter your old password and your newly created password twice
    5. Click Submit
      • If successful, your Office 365 Profile page will appear. If unsuccessful, a message will explain the issue
      • After changing your password, you'll receive a confirmation email from Microsoft on behalf of Northwood University

    NOTE: Please update your apps and saved browser passwords on all devices (laptop, desktop, smart device, etc.) configured to automatically connect to Northwood University resources such as email. Failure to do so may result in your Northwood account becoming locked.

    IPC students outside the United States are currently unable to access our Self-Service Password Reset option to unlock, change or reset their Northwood University password.

    1. Go to http://www.northwood.edu/pwreset
    2. Choose Reset Forgotten Password or Unlock Account (you will be redirected to an authorized Microsoft site)
    3. Enter your full Northwood email address (e.g., [email protected])
      • International Program Center (IPC) students outside the United States are currently unable to access our Self-Service Password Reset option.
    4. Complete the robot verification by entering the characters shown and click Next
    5. Select I forgot my password and click Next
    6. Choose your verification option and follow the instructions to verify your identity and reset your password.
      • After changing your password, you'll receive a confirmation email from Microsoft on behalf of Northwood University.

    NOTE: Please update your apps and saved browser passwords on all devices (laptop, desktop, smart device, etc.) configured to automatically connect to Northwood University resources such as email. Failure to do so may result in your Northwood account becoming locked.


    Your new password will need to meet the following criteria:

    • Be at least 8 characters in length
    • Consist of at least 3 of the following 4 items
      • Uppercase letters (i.e. A-Z)
      • Lowercase letters (i.e. a-z)
      • Numbers (i.e. 0-9)
      • Special characters (i.e. !@#$%^&*)
    • Not contain the user's account name or parts of the user's full name that exceed two consecutive characters
    • Avoid using dictionary words
    • Previous passwords may NOT be reused
    1. Go to http://www.northwood.edu/pwreset
    2. Choose Reset Forgotten Password or Unlock Account (you will be redirected to an authorized Microsoft site)
    3. Enter your full Northwood email address (e.g., [email protected])
    4. Complete the robot verification by entering the characters shown and click Next
    5. Select I know my password, but still can't sign in and click Next
    6. Choose your verification option and follow the instructions to verify your identity and reset your password.

    related articles

    Article Details
    Views: 1 Created on: Oct 20, 2025
    Date updated: Oct 20, 2025
    Posted in: Hue

    Poor
    Outstanding