Overview
If you recently changed your FalconNet password, you may have trouble signing in to your Cedar Crest College Windows laptop or computer.
This can happen because Windows stores a copy of your previously verified sign-in credentials, known as cached credentials. Cached credentials allow you to sign in to your computer when it cannot communicate with the College network.
If you change your FalconNet password while your computer is disconnected from the College network, Windows may continue recognizing your previous password until it can verify your new password.
Follow the steps below to restore access.
Option 1: Try Your Previous Password
If you changed your FalconNet password while away from campus, your computer may still recognize your previous password.
- Turn on your computer.
- At the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options, if necessary.
- Choose the password option rather than a PIN, if available.
- Enter your previous FalconNet password.
- If you can sign in, continue using your computer until you can reconnect to the College network and update your cached credentials.
Important: Your previous password may work only for signing in to Windows while the computer is offline. Continue using your new FalconNet password for Microsoft 365 and other College services.
If your previous password does not work, proceed to the next option.
Option 2: Connect to the Campus Network
If you are on campus, connecting your computer to the College's wired network may allow Windows to verify your new FalconNet password.
Step 1: Connect Your Computer
- Bring your College-managed laptop to a location with an active campus network connection.
- Connect the computer to the wired campus network using an Ethernet cable.
- If your laptop does not have an Ethernet port, you may need a compatible USB Ethernet adapter.
- Make sure the network connection is active.
Step 2: Sign In with Your New Password
- Restart your computer while connected to the campus network.
- At the Windows sign-in screen, select the password sign-in option, if necessary.
- Enter your new FalconNet password.
- Allow Windows to complete the sign-in process.
- Once signed in, lock the computer using Windows + L.
- Unlock it using your new FalconNet password to confirm that it works.
After Windows successfully verifies your new credentials against the College network, the updated password should be available for future offline sign-ins.
Note: This process applies to Windows computers that use College-managed Active Directory authentication. Other device configurations may behave differently.
Option 3: If You Are Working Off Campus
If you are away from campus and cannot connect directly to the College network:
- Try signing in to Windows using your previous FalconNet password.
- Once signed in, connect to the internet.
- Continue using your new FalconNet password for Microsoft 365 and other College services.
- When you return to campus, follow the instructions in Option 2 to update your Windows sign-in credentials.
If your computer has an approved College remote network connection that supports domain authentication, IT Support may be able to assist you with updating your credentials remotely.
If neither your previous nor your new password works, submit an IT Support Request for assistance.
Additional Troubleshooting
My New Password Works in Microsoft 365 but Not Windows
This may indicate that your FalconNet password has changed successfully but your computer has not yet updated its cached Windows credentials.
Follow Option 1 or Option 2 above.
My Computer Is Asking for a PIN Instead of a Password
If your computer normally uses Windows Hello or a PIN:
- Select Sign-in options on the Windows sign-in screen.
- Choose the password icon, if available.
- Enter your FalconNet password.
A Windows Hello PIN is different from your FalconNet password. Changing your FalconNet password does not necessarily change your PIN.
My FalconNet Wi-Fi Is Not Connecting
After changing your password, your computer may also need updated credentials to connect to FalconNet Wi-Fi.
If prompted to enter your wireless credentials, use your current FalconNet username and new password.
If the connection continues to fail, refer to the College's FalconNet wireless troubleshooting instructions or submit an IT Support Request.
My Account Says It Is Locked or My Credentials Are Incorrect
If Windows reports that your account is locked or your credentials are incorrect:
- Confirm that you are entering the correct username.
- Make sure Caps Lock is not enabled.
- Check that you are using the password sign-in option rather than a PIN.
- Avoid repeatedly entering passwords if your account may be locked.
If the problem continues, contact IT Support.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you are unable to sign in to your College-managed computer after changing your FalconNet password, submit an IT Support Request.
When submitting your request, include:
- Whether you are on or off campus.
- Whether you are using a College-managed laptop or desktop.
- Whether your previous password or new password works.
- Any error messages displayed during sign-in.
Never include your password in a support request.