Self-service Password Reset or Account Unlock using Okta

Overview:

Account self-service allows you to unlock or securely reset the password on your network account used to access systems such as your computer, network drives, Microsoft 365 (e-mail, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint), SFS, HRS, VPN (Virtual Private Network), and eduroam wireless.

Process Considerations:

  • warning You must enroll a secondary e-mail for this option to work properly. For step-by-step instructions, see the following document: Enroll Self-service Account Recovery Options in Okta

    Passwords must meet the following requirements:
    • Minimum password length is 12 characters
    • Must contain 3 of the following 4 requirements: capital letter, lower case letter, number, and special character (~ ` @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) + = | [ ] { } ? < >)
    • Cannot have been used as one of your last 99 passwords
    • May not contain your user ID

  • Account passwords will expire after 1 year.
Click on the links below to skip directly to a section:

Reset a forgotten password

  1. As the log in screen, click on the "forgot password" link.

    Logon


  2. This will show your primary e-mail address on the screen, but if you have a secondary e-mail address registered the recovery link will also be sent to that address.

    E-Mail

    You will receive an e-mail with a link or code you can use to recover your account.

    E-Mail Link



  3. Once you click the link or have entered your recovery code, you will need to provide an additional authentication factor.

    2FA


  4. You will now be able to create a new password.

    Unlock your account

    1. At the logon screen select "Unlock account"
      Logon Screen

    2. Enter your username and select "Send me an email"


    3. This will show your primary e-mail address on the screen, but if you have a secondary e-mail address registered the unlock link will also be sent to that address.

      E-Mail

      You will receive an e-mail with a link or code you can use to recover your account.

      Unlock E-Mail Link

    4. Once you have clicked the link or entered your recovery code, you will need to provide an additional authentication factor.

      2FA

    5. Your account will now be unlocked.


      
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    Additional Resources

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    Keywords:
    information technology self service password reset recovery 
    Doc ID:
    132473
    Owned by:
    Eric B. in UW Administration IT
    Created:
    2023-11-01
    Updated:
    2025-11-19
    Sites:
    UW Administration IT