Resetting Your Inktavo Microsoft Account Password

Overview

This help article covers password recovery options for Inktavo Microsoft accounts, which are used to sign in to your Windows laptop and access other Microsoft services. If you only need to reset your Windows PIN, please see our separate guide here: Resetting Your Windows PIN.

• Note: This guide is for Microsoft accounts used for your Windows device. For your Inktavo Google Workspace account, please see this article: Password Reset (Google Workspace).

It's important to understand the difference between your Microsoft account password and your Windows Hello PIN. Your account password is the primary credential used for initial device setup, major security changes, and recovering your account. Your Windows PIN is a shorter, device-specific code used to sign in to your laptop.

Contents

• Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password
• FAQ: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Issues
  • I don't have access to my phone/authenticator app.
• Best Practices for Password Security
• Further Assistance

Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password

The easiest and fastest way to reset your Microsoft account password is through the self-service portal. This option is available if you have previously set up recovery options like a personal email address or phone number.

1. Go to the Microsoft Account Recovery page: Open a web browser and navigate to https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/.
2. Enter your email address: Type in your Inktavo email address (e.g., [e-mail]) and click Next.
3. Verify your identity: Microsoft will present you with options to verify that you own the account. You must choose one to receive a verification code, which can be sent to your recovery email address, texted to your recovery phone number, or approved via the Microsoft Authenticator app if you have it set up.
4. Enter the verification code: Check your recovery email or phone for the code and enter it on the verification screen.
5. Create a new password: Once your identity is verified, you'll be prompted to create a new, strong password. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a password that is unique and difficult to guess. Do not reuse passwords across different accounts.

Once this is complete, your Microsoft account password has been changed. You can now use this new password to access your account or reset your Windows PIN if needed.

FAQ: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Issues

2FA (also known as Multi-Factor Authentication or MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your account. We primarily use the Microsoft Authenticator app. Here's what to do if you encounter issues.

I don't have access to my phone/authenticator app.

During the password reset process, if you cannot access your primary 2FA method, look for a link that says "Show more verification methods" or "I don't have any of these". This will allow you to select an alternative method you have previously configured, such as a code sent to a recovery email address or phone number. If you have no access to any of your configured recovery methods, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.

Best Practices for Password Security

When creating a new password, it's crucial to make it strong and secure. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and contain a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, a birthday, or a pet’s name. Additionally, it is critical that you refrain from reusing passwords; ensure each account has its own unique password. We recommend storing these complex passwords in a secure password manager like 1Password.

Further Assistance

If you have tried the steps above and are still unable to access your account, please contact IT Support by emailing [e-mail].