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This article provides an overview of password management features in Microsoft Entra ID Plan 1 (P1) for educational institutions, focusing on self-service password reset (SSPR) and hybrid user self-service password change/reset with on-premises write-back.
Self-service password reset in Microsoft Entra ID P1
Self-service password reset (SSPR) in Microsoft Entra ID P1 is a feature that allows users to reset their passwords without needing assistance from IT staff.
Key features:
- Password change and reset: Users can change their passwords when they know their current password or reset it if they forgot it.
- Account unlock: If a user's account is locked, they can follow prompts to unlock it and regain access.
- Authentication methods: Users can verify their identity using various methods, such as email, phone, or security questions, to reset their passwords.
- Integration with on-premises directories: For hybrid environments, SSPR can write back password changes to on-premises directories, ensuring consistency across systems.
- User registration: Users can register their authentication methods during the onboarding process, making it easier to reset passwords when needed.
- Reduced help desk calls: By enabling users to reset their passwords independently, SSPR reduces the number of help desk calls and improves productivity.
Learn more:
Hybrid user self-service password change/reset with on premises write-back
Hybrid user self-service password change/reset with on-premises write-back is a Microsoft Entra ID capability that enables users in educational institutions to reset or change their passwords in the cloud and have those changes automatically synchronized back to their on-premises Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). This is especially valuable in hybrid identity environments where both cloud and on-premises systems are in use.
This solution leverages Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) in Microsoft Entra ID, allowing users—students, faculty, and staff—to reset their passwords without contacting IT. When password writeback is enabled, these changes are written back to the on-premises AD DS in real time, ensuring consistency across environments.
Key benefits in education:
- Reduced IT load: Minimizes helpdesk tickets related to forgotten or expired passwords, freeing up IT staff for higher-value tasks.
- Improved user experience: Students and educators can reset passwords anytime, anywhere, using a secure and intuitive interface.
- Policy enforcement: Ensures that password resets comply with on-premises AD DS policies, including complexity, history, and expiration rules.
- Real-time sync: Changes made in the cloud are immediately reflected on-premises, avoiding access delays.
Core features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-Service Password Writeback | Users reset passwords in the cloud; changes sync to on-premises AD DS. |
| Zero-Delay Feedback | Users are notified instantly if their new password doesn’t meet policy requirements. |
| Admin-Initiated Resets | Admins can reset passwords in Microsoft Entra ID and have them written back to AD DS. |
| No Inbound Firewall Rules | Uses Azure Service Bus relay over outbound port 443, simplifying deployment. |
| Multi-Domain Support | Supports side-by-side deployment for different user groups or disconnected domains. |
Prerequisites:
- Licensing: Requires Microsoft Entra ID P1, P2, or Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Not supported in Microsoft 365 Basic or Standard.
- Permissions: Requires Authentication Policy Administrator role to configure.
- Tools: Microsoft Entra Connect or Entra Connect Cloud Sync must be configured for password writeback.
Setup steps:
- Plan deployment: Define which users and groups will use SSPR.
- Configure SSPR: Set up in the Microsoft Entra admin center.
- Enable password writeback: Use Entra Connect to sync changes back to AD DS.
- Test and monitor: Use password management activity reports to track usage and compliance.
Educational use case example:
A university with hybrid identity infrastructure enables SSPR for all students. When a student forgets their password, they reset it via the Microsoft 365 portal. The new password is instantly written back to the university’s on-premises AD, allowing seamless access to both cloud-based learning tools and on-campus systems like library databases or lab computers.