Microsoft 365 Password Resets

Key Points:

• Users can reset their password via Microsoft 365 if any of three conditions are true: a) MFA (multifactor authentication) has been setup for their account, b) the user is already logged in to their account and knows what their current password is, or c) the user's current password has expired.
   
• Users cannot reset their password if they have already done so within the previous five (5) calendar days.  This is an age restriction that is set for all users accounts on the Reynolds network domain.
   
  • Users that affected by this restriction must call the Help Desk at 804-523-5555 during normal business hours to get their password reset.
     
• Once you change your Microsoft 365 password, it will update to all Microsoft applications including Outlook email, SharePoint, and Teams, the Reynolds Intranet page, the KnowBe4 Security Awareness training site, and any Reynolds college computer you login to (that is connected to the campus network).  Your new password will remain valid for 90 days, or approximately three (3) months before you are forced to change it again.

Instructions:

1. If you are already signed in to your Microsoft 365 account and know what your current password is, click your account picture at the top right of the page and click View Account.  Otherwise, skip down to the Alternative Reset Method section.
   
   
    
2. On the My Account page, click Password on the left navigation pane.  You will then be taken to the Change Password page.
   
   
    
3. Verify that your Reynolds email address is listed under the User ID.
   
   
    
4. Enter your old (current) password, then create your new password and confirm it^{1, 2}.
   
   Note #1: Your password in the Create new password and Confirm new password fields must match.
   
   Note #2: Your new password must meet the following criteria.
    

   At least 14 characters in length Contain at least one (1) number 0-9 Contain at least one (1) uppercase letter A-Z Contain at least one (1) lowercase letter a-z Contain at least one (1) special character such as !@#$%^&*() Cannot be any of your last 24 passwords that have been previously used Cannot contain your account name or your full name (first, middle, and/or last name) Should not contain commonly known words such as cat, dog, etc. Should not contain other easily guessed words such as people's names

5. Click Submit to save your new password.

Alternative Password Reset Method

If you don't know what your current password is, you can still reset your password provided that you set up MFA (multifactor authentication) on your account.  Call the Help Desk at 804-523-5555 during normal business hours if you are unsure if MFA has been setup on your account.

1. On the Microsoft 365 home page, click Sign In.
   
   
    
2. Click the Can't access your account? link.
   
   
    
3. Select Work or school account.
   
   
    
4. Enter your Reynolds email address and then enter the characters in the CAPTCHA image, then click Next.
   
   
    
5. Choose the option I forgot my password, then click Next.
   
   
    
6. Choose the first contact method option you want to use for verification, then enter the correct authentication code and click Next.
   
   
    
7. Choose the second contact method option you want to use for verification, then enter the correct authentication code and click Next.
    
8. Enter your new password and confirm it, then click Finish.
   
   
   
   Note: Your new password must meet the following criteria.

   At least 14 characters in length Contain at least one (1) number 0-9 Contain at least one (1) uppercase letter A-Z Contain at least one (1) lowercase letter a-z Contain at least one (1) special character such as !@#$%^&*() Cannot be any of your last 24 passwords that have been previously used Cannot contain your account name or your full name (first, middle, and/or last name) Should not contain commonly known words such as cat, dog, etc. Should not contain other easily guessed words such as people's names