Password management
You must log in to use many of the University of Vienna’s IT services. In addition to your u:account UserID, you will need 2 passwords: the u:account password and the Wi-Fi password.
Managing passwords:
Passwords for service u:accounts can only be managed by authorised persons (IT officers, heads of organisational units).
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Update: New Password Terms of Use
To further increase IT security at the University of Vienna, new password terms of use have been in effect since 1 September 2026. These apply to passwords used within the ZID’s IT services, such as the u:account password.
- Since coming into force, your password must meet higher quality requirements, including a minimum length of 12 characters and at least 3 character types.
- You can find all password requirements and best practices in the terms of use.
We therefore ask you to change your existing u:account password and set a password that complies with the new requirements.
Strong passwords not only protect your data, but also help increase the overall security of the university’s IT infrastructure.
How can you change your password?
Please open the form Changing password and set a new u:account password.
Please refer to the ZID password tips. Using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords is highly recommended.
Using IT securely
Under the Using IT securely menu item on the ZID website, you will find engaging videos, quizzes, and tips to help you make your use of IT more secure.
Requests for password changes are frequently misused for phishing attacks. Therefore, please pay special attention to the information on handling emails securely to protect yourself against phishing and other fraud attempts.
You can find more information in the IT News article.
Using passwords securely
- Information and a video under password tips will help you to create a secure password and use passwords correctly.
- Please also note the password terms of use to choose a secure password.
Note
To ensure you can be contacted in exceptional circumstances (such as if your account is locked), the ZID recommends that all users enter an external e-mail address. Students can use this to reset their password themselves, provided they have previously given their consent.
Forgotten password or login error
As a student of the University of Vienna, you can change your u:account password yourself at any time, even if you have forgotten it.
The requirements are:
- a previously provided external e-mail address
- previously given consent to the use of the external e-mail address
- the u:account is linked to your student ID or social security number according to u:space
If you meet all these requirements, use the following form:
Alternative
For students and newly set up u:accounts without permissions:
After processing, you will receive a link to set a new password. The link is valid for 24 hours.
Inactive u:account
If you enrol in another degree programme at the University of Vienna and you want to reactivate your u:account, please use the following form:
After processing, you will receive a link to set a new password. The link is valid for 24 hours.
After processing, you will receive a link to set a new password. The link is valid for 24 hours.
Alternative
If you were previously a student at the University of Vienna with your u:account, you may be able to reset your u:account password yourself.
The requirements are:
- a previously provided external e-mail address
- previously given consent to the use of the external e-mail address
- the u:account is linked to your student ID or social security number according to u:space
If you meet all these requirements, use the following form:
Service-u:accounts
A new password for service u:accounts can be requested by:
- IT representatives,
- heads of organisational units (institute, faculty, service unit),
provided that this u:account is assigned to them.
To do so, they should contact the ZID Helpdesk in writing.
Webspace for work purposes
To change the password for a webspace for work purposes, please use the following form: