Active Directory password expiration notification

Free tool to proactively send Windows password expiration notifications via email, SMS, and push

Password-related disruptions are one of the most common productivity bottlenecks in any organization. While Microsoft changed its guidelines on password expiration by no longer recommending it, many organizations continue to maintain a password expiration policy as a precautionary measure aimed at minimizing long-term security risks. End-users continue to find themselves locked out of their machines, having overlooked the Windows pop-up expiry alerts or not receiving them at all during remote connections.

A key feature of ADSelfService Plus is the Active Directory password expiration notification. It helps users stay ahead of password expiry by sending timely reminders via email, SMS, and push alerts.

This password and account expiration notification tool automatically assesses Active Directory for accounts nearing password expiry and sends personalized password expiration notification emails to the respective users. This tool is 100% free with no restrictions.

Why you need push, SMS, and email password expiration notifications for Active Directory

Active Directory doesn't natively send password expiration notifications via email, SMS, or push alerts, especially for remote users on VPN or Outlook Web Access (OWA). This often leaves employees stranded and dependent on the help desk once their passwords expire. Here is a comparison between Windows password expiration notifications and ADSelfService Plus' password expiration notifier:

With ADSelfService Plus’ Active Directory password expiration notifier tool, you can bridge this gap effortlessly. Ensure users receive multiple reminders with ample time to securely change or reset their passwords before they expire. ADSelfService Plus also notified users when their account expires in Active Directory.

Key features of the AD password expiration notification tool

Granularly-targeted password expiration notifications

ADSelfService Plus enables you to create tailored notification policies based on domains, organizational units (OUs), and user groups. This lets you set different password and account expiration notification policies for various teams or ranks within the organization. For example, IT admins and managers can receive less frequent but more urgent notifications, while general users can get a gradual and consistent alert sequence.

Phased password expiration alerts

Instead of overwhelming users with a single reminder close to password expiry, phased notifications ensure that reminders are sent out at multiple intervals—such as 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day before expiration. This progressive approach improves user awareness and gives them ample time to update their passwords, thereby reducing the risk of account lockouts and help desk calls. By spacing out alerts, organizations can promote proactive password management and encourage better user compliance. Each notification can be fine-tuned to reflect urgency as the expiration date nears—ensuring your users are not only informed, but motivated to take action.

Customizable Active Directory password expiration notification

ADSelfService Plus offers rich customization options for password and account expiration notifications, enabling IT teams to create professional, branded messages that improve user engagement. You can design messages using HTML for enhanced formatting, incorporate company logos or custom images, and attach relevant files such as password policy documents or security guidelines. Dynamic macros allow you to auto-populate user-specific details like name, username, domain, and password expiry date, ensuring each message is personalized and context-aware.

Real-world scenario: The cost of not using a password expiration warning system

Imagine having an enterprise with 1,000 employees, including 200 remote users. Without Windows password expiration notification, users may miss expiration alerts entirely, leading to account lockouts and help desk calls. Even with a self-service password reset solution, the absence of proactive alerts means your IT support team is still fielding dozens—or even hundreds—of avoidable tickets.

Now contrast that with a robust SMS and email password expiration notification system. Users get timely reminders, reset their passwords independently, and the help desk enjoys a massive reduction in password-related tickets.

Why choose ADSelfService Plus as your Active Directory password expiration notifier?

Use it for free: Send Active Directory password expiration notification emails to all users in your organization at no cost.

OU and group-based targeting: Create tailored notification policies based on domains, OUs, and user groups.

Customizable reminder templates: Edit the design and tone of password expiration notification emails using HTML templates and attachments.

Phased notifications: Configure a series of escalating reminders—e.g., 15, 10, 7, 3, and 1 day(s) before password expiry—for maximum effectiveness.

Manager alerts: Notify reporting managers about upcoming password or account expirations of their team members.

Account expiry reminders: Extend notifications beyond passwords by alerting users when their Active Directory account expires.

Comprehensive reporting: Track delivery status and view detailed logs of all password expiration alerts.