Information Security

Steps to Sync NetID Password

For easy login to frequently-used websites or apps, many of us choose to save our credentials in a browser or app’s password manager.

Once you change your NetID password, it does not automatically sync everywhere you chose for it to be remembered and will continue to use your old password.

With a little planning, you can avoid issues accessing or being locked out of University systems and applications by immediately updating your saved password after updating your NetID password.

1. Take an inventory: Start by identifying all of the devices where you may have saved your NetID login credentials. Devices can include home and work desktop and laptop computers, and tablets. Then, turn all of the devices off, except the one you will change your password on.
2. Change your NetID password: From the machine that is still on, visit NUValidate and change your password.
3. Restart the machine: Log off and log back on with your new password. NOTE: If you are changing your password from off campus, you will be required to enter your old password at restart until you have reconnected network drives and to the VPN with your new password as outlined below.
4. Remove all saved NetID passwords on the machine. If your Operating System is
   1. Windows: Use Credential Manager to find ALL Northwestern passwords
      • Tap the Windows key on your keyboard and type Credential Manager
      • Select Credential Manager from the list of choices
      • Click any entries that contain or "northwestern" and select Remove from Vault
      • Restart your computer
   2. Mac: Use Keychain to find ALL Northwestern password
      • Click on the Spotlight search icon (magnifying glass) in the upper right corner of the screen
      • Enter Keychain Access and select it from the list of search results
      • Under the category section, click on All Items
      • Type in "northwestern" in the search field in the upper right corner of the screen and click on the Spotlight icon
      • Click Command + A to select all of the results, then right click and select Delete
        Note: If prompted, enter your local computer password to authorize deletion of the saved entries.
      • Exit Keychain Access
5. Update your NetID passwords on the machine
   1. Reconnect to the VPN: Initiate VPN to be prompted to enter your new password.
   2. Log into Email: Open your email to trigger the authentication error and/or be prompted to enter your new password. Complete the following fields:
      1. Username: ads\Your NetID (Windows), mcc\Your NetID (Mac)
      2. Password: Your NetID password
   3. Reconnect Network Drives: In many cases, the credentials for network drives will update automatically or prompt you for the new password the next time you attempt to connect. If you have any issues with reconnecting, please contact your support for specific guidance.
   4. Log into Administrative Systems: Choose a system like myHR or SES that is accessed through the Online Passport and protected with Multi-factor Authentication to trigger the authentication error and/or be prompted to enter your new password.
   5. Reconnect to the Wireless Network: Remove/ forget the Northwestern network and then reconnect using your new credentials. NOTE: You must be on campus to complete this step.
6. Update your Mobile Device
   1. eduroam Wireless: Remove/ forget the eduroam network and then reconnect using your new credentials.
   2. Email: Open your email to trigger the authentication error and/or be prompted to enter your new password.
7. Update your NetID passwords on your other devices: Turn on the next device and follow Steps 4 – 5 until you’ve updated all of your machines.

NOTE: If your NetID password has already expired, you will need to obtain an activation code. Contact McCormick PC support and be prepared to provide photo ID. If you have a webcam, the PC support team can verify your identity remotely using your WildCard. Otherwise, scan and email your Wildcard and another form of photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, NMH ID, or green card.