Password change while working remotely on a University-provided Windows computer

Windows computers being used for remote work on a regular basis will not recognize a newly-changed campus password until a) the computer "touches" the campus network (either physically or virtually), and b) after a small amount of synchronization time passes. When a campus password change occurs while working remotely, connecting to the VPN will achieve the required network presence. This article's steps represent the most expedient procedure to accomplish the password change and make the remote computer recognize the change.
  1. Connect the computer to the campus Virtual Private Network (VPN), using the Cisco Secure Client installed on the computer.
    Example of the "Cisco Secure Client," the app to connect a computer to the campus's Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  2. Note: If the Cisco app is out of date on the device, it may be called "Cisco AnyConnect." Attempting to use the app in that state will prompt for an update; it is important to not skip the update if it is offered! Follow on screen instructions. Even if the app is labeled "Cisco Secure Client," it may still prompt for an update if the app installed is not a supported version. Expect a computer restart to be required as part of the update process.

  3. Once connected to the VPN, go to the campus NetID Center site, identity.uillinois.edu and select Log in.
    The campus NetID Center Log in screen at identity.uillinois.edu

  4. Select the Change password button and follow onscreen instructions.
    The landing page of the NetID Center site after signing in.

  5. The NetID Center will want confirmation of recovery settings before proceeding. If the information is correct, select "This is correct" near the bottom of the screen.
    The check my recovery password screen that appears in the NetID Center before someone is allowed to perform the password change.
     
  6. The resulting screen is where the change is actually made and where the required elements of the password are checked. Enter the desired password in the box near the bottom and the list of rules will show whether or not it is accepted as typed. Some issues will only be checked after selecting the "Set Password" button, below.
    The change password screen with several rules listed and the "New password" field at the bottom

  7. When the new password entry is accepted, please log out of the NetID Center site.

  8. The new password won't be fully recognized across all campus systems for about 15 minutes. Remain logged on to the computer and keep it connected to the VPN. At this point, one can keep working or step away from the computer but do keep the computer on.

  9. After about a 15-minute wait, the new password will have had time to fully synchronize. Lock the computer with the keyboard combination of the Windows logo key Example of a Windows logoor Second example of a Windows logo + the letter L.

  10. On the lock screen, enter the new password.

  11. If the newest password doesn't work and there was no error trying to enter it, wait a few more minutes and try again.

Once the new password has been used to log back in to the computer, the old password will no longer be recognized.


Keywords:
change, password, passwrod, VPN, remote, "Password change while working remotely on a university-provided Windows computer", "new password doesn't work", "new password doesn't work on my computer" 
Doc ID:
148668
Owned by:
Scott L. in UI Gies College of Business
Created:
2025-02-27
Updated:
2025-03-05
Sites:
UI Gies College of Business