Active Directory Change Password

Why regular Active Directory password changes are important

Changing passwords periodically is a healthy habit that helps thwart cyberattacks that exploit stolen credentials. Security experts suggest that administrators require users to change AD passwords by implementing effective password expiration policies.

Regular Active Directory password changes reduce the risk of credential compromise by limiting how long a stolen or exposed password remains usable. Periodic password updates also help organizations meet security and compliance requirements, minimize the impact of brute-force and phishing attacks, and ensure continued protection of user accounts and sensitive business data.

Ways to change Active Directory passwords

Organizations typically rely on four native methods to perform an Active Directory change user password operation. Each has its own limitations, especially for hybrid or remote users.

1. Windows Ctrl+Alt+Del change password screen

Users can change Active Directory passwords through the Change a password option, but it requires direct domain connectivity and doesn't update cached credentials for remote users.

2. PowerShell Active Directory change password commands

Admins use Set-ADAccountPassword for scripted or bulk updates, but PowerShell change AD password commands are not user-friendly and offer no authentication or password policy guidance.

3. Forced password change upon logon

By enabling “User must change password at next logon,” admins can push users to complete a change AD password action. However, it fails for remote or VPN-off users who can't reach a domain controller.

Self-Service Change Password Active Directory

ADSelfService Plus provides a secure, web-based self-service portal with multi-factor authentication for Active Directory and self-service password reset capabilities. Hybrid and remote users to change Active Directory passwords without accessing the corporate network. Administrators can enforce stronger, custom password rules using the Password Policy Enforcer, which displays real-time complexity requirements to help users create compliant passwords.

During remote password changes, only the Active Directory password is updated, leaving local cached credentials unchanged—often causing login failures. ADSelfService Plus resolves this with automatic cached credentials updates, ensuring remote users can sign in seamlessly even when off VPN. Additionally, the Password Expiration Notification feature keeps users informed ahead of time, reducing last-minute lockouts and help desk calls.

Challenges with Native Active Directory Password Change Methods

Native options such as the Windows AD change password screen, ADUC, and PowerShell change password commands often fall short in hybrid environments. Key challenges include:

• Network dependency: Users must be connected to the corporate network or VPN to successfully change AD password, making it unreliable for remote users.
• Cached credential issues: Passwords updated in AD don't automatically sync to local machines, causing login failures after users change password in AD.
• No MFA support: Native AD password change methods rely solely on the current password, offering no additional identity assurance.
• Not user-friendly: There is no AD change password web interface or mobile app. The existing change password screen may not always be suitable for end users on the go.

Step-by-Step Active Directory Password Change Using ADSelfService Plus

Follow these steps to change AD password with ADSelfService Plus

1. Log in to the ADSelfService Plus end user portal by completing MFA. Go to the Change Password tab.
2. Enter your existing AD password in the Old Password field.
3. Provide a new password in the New Password field, and re-enter it in the Confirm New Password field. Make sure your new password meets the displayed complexity requirements.
4. Click Change Password.

Why you should use ADSelfService Plus for Active Directory password changes

Password change vs. password reset

While Microsoft offers multiple ways for administrators to reset AD users' passwords, ADSelfService Plus enables domain users to perform self-service password resets and changes through its web-based portal after their identities have been verified using strong authentication methods configured by the administrator.