Topics Map > NetID Login Service
NetID - What is a NetID?
A NetID is your username which allows access to University services, such as Office 365 email, MyUW, calendaring, student records, payroll information, etc. The NetID username is not case sensitive when used as a login credential. Your NetID username is randomly generated from University records and typically includes some combination of your first, middle, and last name. Your NetID username is not the same as your campus ID number or your email address.
Eligibility for NetID
Your NetID will remain active for the entirety of your time at the University. It may also remain active after leaving the University, but this depends on your affiliation. For more information about NetID eligibility, please see NetID - Eligibility Policy
Activating Your NetID
New students, faculty, and staff must activate their NetID before it can be used. For instructions on activating your NetID, please see NetID - Activating Your Account.
Students, faculty and staff who leave and later return to the University may need to activate their NetID upon return. Otherwise, if you are still able to login when you return, login to the NetID Modification utility to activate missing NetID services.
Changing your NetID username
Due to the volume of users in our system, there are limited circumstances under which you can change your NetID username. Please see NetID - Changing Your NetID for more information.
Changing your NetID Password and Setting Recovery Questions
If you need to change your NetID password and you know your current password, or if you need to set recovery questions, you can do so at the NetID Account Modification Utility.
If you are unsure of your current NetID password, you can reset your password with the Password Recovery Utility. If you are unable to reset your password using this tool, call the Help Desk at (608) 264-HELP or appear in person at the Onsite Help Desk (7:45am-5:00pm Mon-Fri) to have your password reset.
What if I've forgotten my NetID?
If you are unsure of your NetID, you can obtain it via the NetID Recovery Utility. If you have difficulty recovering your NetID, you can call the Help Desk at (608) 264-HELP or appear in person at the Onsite Help Desk (7:45am-5:00pm Mon-Fri) to obtain it.