How Do I Set Up My NWTC STEM Account?

Answer

There are several steps to set up your NWTC STEM account (follow the detailed instructions below):

Use your Temporary Access Pass at the Login to Azure link found in your account email message.
Register Microsoft Authenticator.
Create Your Password in the Microsoft My Sign-Ins Portal

The email you received provides a Temporary Access Pass (TAP) that lets you sign in for the first time. The TAP is not your permanent password. Use it to register Microsoft Authenticator, then use Change Password in My Sign-Ins to create the password required for SQL and other password-based sign-ins.

Email with temporary access pass and link to login to Azure

Before You Begin

Have the account email open so you can copy the complete username ending in @stem.nwtc.edu and the Temporary Access Pass.
Install Microsoft Authenticator on a phone from the device app store.
Use a private or incognito browser window so another NWTC account is not selected automatically.
- Private browsing shortcuts: On Microsoft Edge or Chrome, use Ctrl+Shift+N. On Firefox, use Ctrl+Shift+P. For Safari on Mac, use Command+Shift+N.
Use a computer and phone together, if possible. The computer displays the QR code, and the phone scans it.

Part 1: Sign in with the Temporary Access Pass

Open the sign-in link: Open the Login to Azure link from the email you received in a private or incognito browser window.
Enter the STEM username: Enter the complete username shown in the email, such as 12345678@stem.nwtc.edu. Do not use an @nwtc.edu, @mymail.nwtc.edu, or @bit.nwtc.edu address.

Microsoft sign in screen showing username as 10000001@stem.nwtc.edu

Enter the Temporary Access Pass: Enter the Temporary Access Pass exactly as shown in the email. The pass is time-limited and may be configured for one-time use.

Enter temporary access pass. Then click Sign in button.

Part 2: Register Microsoft Authenticator (See Detailed Instructions)

Start security registration: When Microsoft asks for more information or asks you to secure the account, select Next and choose Microsoft Authenticator if prompted.

Let's keep your account secure screen with Next button Install Microsoft Authenticator screen with links to download the app and Next button.

Add the work or school account: On the phone, open Microsoft Authenticator. Select the plus sign, choose Work or school account, and choose Scan QR code.

Set up your account in app screen with Next button.

Scan and test: Scan the QR code displayed on the computer. Approve the test notification or enter the number shown on the computer, then complete the setup prompts.

Scan the QR code screen with code and Next button. Let's try it out screen with number to enter in the app to approve the sign-in request. Authenticator Added screen with Done button.

Note:

You have now registered your <id>@stem.nwtc.edu account with Microsoft Authenticator. The next step is to change the password to a permanent password you can remember. You must complete Step 3 to finish the process.

Part 3: Create your password in My Sign-Ins

Open My Sign-Ins: In the same private/incognito browser, open the Microsoft My Sign-Ins portal. Confirm the account shown ends in @stem.nwtc.edu.
Confirm Security Info: Under My Account, select Security Info. Confirm Microsoft Authenticator is listed and registration is complete. Finish any remaining registration prompts before continuing.
Select Change Password: Under My Account, select Change Password. Follow the on-screen prompts to create and confirm the permanent password. Do not reuse the Temporary Access Pass as the password.

Change your password screen with Forgot your password? circled in red.

Important

Select Change Password only after Security Info registration is complete. If Change Password is unavailable or the portal displays an error, contact the NWTC Help Desk.

Part 4: Test the account

Start a fresh sign-in: Close all private/incognito browser windows. Open a new private/incognito window and return to the Azure or class resource sign-in page
Use the permanent sign-in information: Enter the STEM username and the new password. Complete the Microsoft Authenticator prompt if one appears.

Get back into your account screen with field to enter email or username, like 100000001@stem.nwtc.edu Verification step 1 - Choose a new password with approval option and Send Notification button. Number to enter in app to approve the request. Enter a new strong password then confirm it. Password Reset Notification email

Confirm success: Confirm the account reaches the expected Azure, SQL, or class resource. Keep the username and password secure. The Temporary Access Pass should not be needed again.

Troubleshooting

The browser keeps selecting another NWTC account: Close the window and start again in a new private or incognito window.
The Temporary Access Pass is expired or has already been used: Contact the NWTC Help Desk for a new Temporary Access Pass.
Authenticator is registered, but the password does not work: Complete Part 3 in My Sign-Ins. Registering Authenticator does not by itself create a password.
Change Password is unavailable or displays an error: Confirm the STEM account is selected and Security Info registration is complete. If the issue continues, contact the NWTC Help Desk with the STEM username and a screenshot. Never send the TAP or password.
The account signs in but the SQL or course resource is unavailable: Confirm the username ends in @stem.nwtc.edu, then contact the NWTC Help Desk with the course number, course section, and resource or database name.

Security Reminders

Never share the Temporary Access Pass, password, or an Authenticator approval code.
Approve an Authenticator request only when personally signing in.
Do not include passwords or Temporary Access Pass codes in a help-desk ticket or screenshot.