Changing your Password
Forgot your password?
You can reset your own password by verifying your identity using the Multi-Factor Authentication service - please see Microsoft's instructions at Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password - Microsoft Support
Creating a strong password
Using a strong password or passphrase is essential in protecting access to your University IT accounts.
A strong password is:
- Long- A minimum length of 16 characters.
- Unique - Only used for one IT account
- Difficult to guess
- Memorable (to you alone)
Three random words
To support service users in creating memorable passwords, the University recommends the use of the National Cyber Security Centre's “Three Random Word” guidance when creating the alphabetic component of a password.
- For the avoidance of doubt, the words MUST be both random and non-obvious.
- For example, ApplePurpleKnight would meet the minimum length for a standard user account, be “long enough” and “strong enough” for most purposes, but which can also be more easily remembered.
Find out more about the three random words password approach.
To change your password on a University PC
- Login to a University cluster or quick access PC
- Press Ctrl-Alt-Del together.
- Select the option to change your password.
Changing your password online
- Sign in to office.com/signin
- Go to Settings > Change your Password.
- Enter your old password
- Create a new password and confirm it
- Select Submit to finish and change your password
If you are experiencing issues resetting your password via the Self Service option, please give us a call on 0191 208 5999 (Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 17:00) and we can assist you over the phone