How to Reset or Change a User’s Password in Active Directory Users and Computers

How to Reset or Change a User’s Password in Active Directory Users and Computers

Active Directory (AD) is a crucial component of managing IT infrastructure in businesses, allowing system administrators to manage users, computers, groups, and other resources in a centralized manner. One common task for administrators is resetting or changing user passwords within the Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) tool. This blog will guide you step by step through the process of resetting or changing a user’s password in ADUC.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

1. Access to Active Directory Users and Computers: You need administrative privileges to access ADUC. You must be part of a group like “Domain Admins” or “Enterprise Admins,” or you need delegated permissions.
2. Remote Desktop (RDP) Access (Optional): If you’re working remotely, you may need RDP access to the server where ADUC is installed.

Steps to Reset or Change a User’s Password in Active Directory Users and Computers

Step 1: Open Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)

1. Launch ADUC: Open the Start menu, type Active Directory Users and Computers, and click the result to launch the tool. You can also access ADUC from the Server Manager or use the dsa.msc command from the Run dialog (press Windows + R and type dsa.msc).
2. Connect to the Correct Domain (if needed): If you manage multiple domains, make sure you connect to the correct domain by selecting the right domain in the ADUC console. To do so, right-click on Active Directory Users and Computers, select Connect to Domain, and enter the correct domain name.

Step 2: Locate the User Account

1. Navigate to the User’s Organizational Unit (OU): In the ADUC console, on the left pane, you will see a hierarchical view of your Active Directory structure. Browse through the Organizational Units (OUs) to find the user account. If you’re unsure where the user account is, you can use the search feature in the ADUC tool.
2. Search for the User: To search for a user, click on the Find Users, Contacts, and Groups option (the magnifying glass icon) on the toolbar or right-click the domain name and select Find. In the dialog box, type the user’s name and hit Find Now. This will display the user’s account if found.

Step 3: Reset the Password

1. Right-click the User Account: Once you’ve located the user account, right-click on the user’s name.
2. Select “Reset Password”: From the context menu, select the Reset Password option. A dialog box will appear where you can enter a new password for the user.
3. Enter the New Password: In the dialog box, type the new password for the user in both the New Password and Confirm Password fields. Make sure the password meets your organization’s security policy (e.g., length, complexity, expiration). A strong password is typically required.
4. Check the Option to Force Password Change: There is usually an option to User must change password at next logon. If you want the user to change their password immediately after logging in, make sure to check this box. This step can be useful for security reasons after resetting the password.
5. Click OK: Once you’ve entered the new password and selected your options, click OK to apply the changes.

Step 4: Inform the User

After the password has been reset, it’s important to notify the user. Depending on your organization’s policies, you may need to:

• Provide the New Password: If you did not select the option to force a password change, share the new password securely with the user (for example, through a secure messaging service or in person).
• Confirm Password Change: Let the user know that they may be required to change their password at their next logon if that option was selected.

Step 5: Verify the Reset Password (Optional)

If needed, verify that the user can log in using the new password by either:

• Asking the user to attempt a login and confirm if successful.
• Using Remote Desktop to log in as the user to ensure there are no issues with the new password.

Changing a User’s Password

The process for changing a user’s password is very similar to resetting a password, except you typically don’t reset it due to an issue or security breach.

1. Find the User: As mentioned earlier, locate the user account in the ADUC tool.
2. Right-click on the User Account: Once found, right-click the user account.
3. Select “Properties”: From the context menu, select Properties.
4. Go to the “Account” Tab: In the Properties window, navigate to the Account tab.
5. Set a New Password: In this section, you’ll see options related to the user’s account. Here you can select Change Password and enter the new password in both fields.
6. Apply Changes: Click OK to apply the new password and changes.

Important Considerations

• Password Policies: Be aware of any password policies set within Active Directory, such as minimum password length, complexity, and expiration. These policies are typically configured at the domain level and enforced when creating or resetting passwords.
• Account Lockout: If the user has been locked out due to failed login attempts, resetting the password will automatically unlock the account.
• Audit Logs: It’s important to note that all password changes and resets in Active Directory are logged. You may want to check the Event Viewer or security logs for auditing purposes.
• Group Policy Settings: If you need to enforce strong passwords, make sure your Group Policy is set up properly to align with the password policy your organization requires. You can configure this in the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).

Conclusion

Managing passwords in Active Directory is a key responsibility for system administrators. Whether you’re resetting a forgotten password or updating it for security reasons, using Active Directory Users and Computers is the most common method. Always ensure you follow best practices when handling sensitive information like passwords, and adhere to your organization’s security policies. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you should be able to reset or change user passwords quickly and securely.