Setting your password
Intro
Your UWL network password gives you access to services and protects your data throughout your time at the University, so it is very important to choose a good, strong password, and to make sure that only you know it.
Your password should be three random words, using a mixture of upper and lower case, separated by a punctuation mark. For example, Horse-Battery-Staple.
You can change your password on campus or online.
You should change your password:
- If you receive a temporary password from IT Services.
- At least once a year.
- Any time you think someone might have learned your password.
Guidance video
Watch our guidance video to find out how to change your password at UWL.
Registering for online password changes
Before you can change your password online you need to register your mobile phone and personal email address via the UWL Security Centre.
You must register these details before you can change your password.
Changing your password
If you are on campus you can change your password by logging onto any UWL Windows PC and pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del on the keyboard.
Or, once you are registered for online password resets, you can change your passwords off-campus by visiting our password reset page. The system will use the mobile phone and email address you registered to verify your identity.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I choose a secure password?
A good password:
- Is more than 10 characters long.
- Uses a mixture of upper case letters, lower case letter, and numbers or punctuation.
- Is completely random, with no connection to you or the University.
- Is confidential and only known by you.
- Is unique, so has not been used by you before or anywhere else.
The best way to get a secure password that is still easy to remember and type is to pick three random words, using a mixture of upper and lower case, separated by punctuation.
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Why do I need to provide a mobile phone and personal email address?
These are used to verify your identity when you change your password online. They will only ever be used for this purpose.
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Can I use my personal landline at home to register for self-service password resets?
Yes, although this will mean you can only change your password online when at home. We recommend registering your mobile phone so you can change your password from anywhere.
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Can I use my UWL email to register for self-service password resets?
No. If you need to change your password because you suspect someone might know it, then it is not safe to use your UWL email to reset your password.
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I tried changing my password but the new one was rejected.
When you change your password, the system carries out some checks to make sure it is strong enough.
Use the three random words method mentioned previously to make sure you have a strong but memorable password.
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I've reset my password and I still can't get in
It can take up to 20 minutes for a password change to synchronise across every University system, so you may need to wait a short while.
If after 20 minutes you still cannot log on, contact the IT Service Desk for help.
Contact
If you are still having problems, you can get assistance from IT Services:
- Telephone: call the IT Service Desk (24 hours) on 0300 111 4895 (external)
- Email: ITServiceDesk@uwl.ac.uk
