How to Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password: The Complete Guide for Users and Administrators

Resetting your password in Microsoft 365 is an essential security practice that helps protect your account from unauthorized access. Whether you've forgotten your password or need to change it regularly for security purposes, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

For Standard Users: Resetting Your Own Password

Method 1: Reset Password When Signed Out

1. Access the Microsoft Sign-in Page

• Navigate to https://portal.office.com
• Enter your Microsoft 365 email address

2. Use the Forgot Password Option

• Click on the Forgot my password link on the sign-in page
• Enter your email address again if prompted
• Complete the CAPTCHA verification if required

3. Verify Your Identity

• Select your preferred verification method:
  • Email an alternate email address
  • Text a code to your mobile phone
  • Answer security questions (if previously set up)
• Follow the verification steps to prove your identity

4. Create a New Password

• Enter your new password twice to confirm
• Ensure your password meets the organization's complexity requirements:
  • At least 8 characters (typically)
  • Combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
  • At least one number
  • At least one special character
• Click Submit or Finish

5. Sign In With New Password

• Return to the sign-in page
• Enter your email address and new password
• Complete any Multi-Factor Authentication if enabled

Method 2: Change Password While Signed In

1. Access Your Account Settings

• Sign in to https://portal.office.com
• Click on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner
• Select My Account or View Account

2. Navigate to Security Settings

• Select Security & Privacy or Password in the left navigation
• Click on Change Password

3. Enter Current and New Password

• Enter your current password for verification
• Enter your new password twice
• Click Submit or Save

4. Update Password on Other Devices

• Update your password on all devices where you use Microsoft 365 services
• This includes mobile devices, desktop applications, and email clients

For Administrators: Resetting User Passwords

Method 1: Using Microsoft 365 Admin Center

1. Access the Admin Center

• Sign in to https://admin.microsoft.com with your admin account
• Navigate to Users > Active Users

2. Select the User

• Find and select the user who needs a password reset
• Click on the user's name to open their properties

3. Reset Password

• Click on Reset password under the user's name
• Choose whether to:
  • Automatically generate a password
  • Create a password manually
• Decide whether to require the user to change their password at next sign-in (recommended)
• Optionally, enter an email address where the temporary password should be sent

4. Complete the Reset

• Click Reset password to confirm
• Communicate the temporary password to the user through a secure channel

Method 2: Using PowerShell

1. Connect to Microsoft 365

• Open PowerShell as an administrator
• Install the MSOnline module if not already installed:

  Install-Module MSOnline

• Connect to Microsoft 365:

  Connect-MsolService

• Enter your admin credentials when prompted

2. Reset User Password

• Use the following command to reset a user's password:

  Set-MsolUserPassword -UserPrincipalName This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -NewPassword "TemporaryPassword123" -ForceChangePassword $true

• Replace "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." with the user's email address
• Replace "TemporaryPassword123" with a strong temporary password
• The -ForceChangePassword $true parameter requires the user to change their password at next sign-in

Best Practices for Password Management

• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts
• Change passwords regularly, at least every 90 days
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for additional security
• Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords
• Never share passwords via email or unsecured channels
• Set up self-service password reset for your organization to reduce help desk calls

Troubleshooting Common Password Reset Issues

Self-Service Reset Not Working

• Verify that self-service password reset is enabled for your organization
• Ensure your authentication methods are up to date (phone numbers, alternate email)
• Contact your IT department if you're unable to reset your password

New Password Not Accepted

• Check that your password meets complexity requirements
• Ensure you're not reusing a recent password (many organizations prevent password reuse)
• Clear browser cache and try again, or use a different browser

Account Lockout

• Wait for the lockout period to expire (typically 15-30 minutes)
• Contact your IT administrator for assistance if lockouts persist

For Organizations: Setting Up Self-Service Password Reset

Administrators can configure self-service password reset to allow users to reset their own passwords without IT assistance:

• Access Azure AD Admin Center at https://aad.portal.azure.com
• Navigate to Password reset under User management
• Select user groups to enable for self-service password reset
• Configure authentication methods required for verification
• Customize notifications for password resets
• Consider enabling password writeback for hybrid environments

Conclusion

Regularly updating your Microsoft 365 password and knowing how to reset it when needed is a fundamental part of maintaining good security hygiene. By following the steps outlined in this guide, both users and administrators can ensure secure and efficient password management across their Microsoft 365 environment.

For assistance with password management, security configurations, or other Microsoft 365 services, contact Hexafusion's technical support team.