My computer accepts only my previous password

Problem

After you change your Universal Password, you still have to enter your previous password to sign into a university-owned computer.

  • This is expected behavior when you are using a university-owned Windows computer from off-campus.

  • It may also happen with a laptop computer on-campus.

  • Windows computers that have a wired Ethernet connection on campus will accept the new password immediately, so these steps are not necessary.

Solution

The following steps will sync your new password to the computer.

  1. Sign into the computer using your previous password

  2. Connect to VPN (See our VPN instructions if you need assistance)

  3. Press Windows Key + L to lock your workstation

  4. Tap the spacebar to unlock your computer and enter your NEW password

  5. Disconnect from VPN if you no longer need it

After you complete steps 1 - 5, you should be able to sign into the computer using your new password. After a password reset you may be prompted to enter your new password for various applications and services over the course of a few days.