Questions
- How do I set up Desktop Password Sync on my Bowdoin Mac?
- How do I make my Mac login password match my Okta password?
- How do I register the Okta single sign-on extension on macOS?
- My computer was not set up with Desktop Password Sync. How do I request it?
- How do I sign in to my Mac with my Okta password?
- How do I enable Okta FastPass with Touch ID on my Mac?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff using a Bowdoin-issued Mac. Desktop Password Sync replaces the local macOS login password with the Okta account password, so there is one less password to remember. When the Bowdoin account password is reset, the computer password updates to the new password as well. Desktop Password Sync uses a single sign-on (SSO) extension installed on macOS.
- Okta Desktop Password Sync is available on Bowdoin Macs that are not bound to Active Directory.
- The Mac must be running macOS Sequoia (15.x) or later.
Note: Desktop Password Sync is installed on newly set up computers. For older computers, you can request access using a form in the
Service Catalog.
Resolution
Install Okta Desktop Password Sync
- If your computer is not already enrolled in Okta Desktop Password Sync, request access using the form in the Service Catalog.
Configure Okta Desktop Password Sync
- After installation is complete, select the Register button on the Registration Required notification with the Okta logo in the top right of your screen.
- When prompted for Platform Single Sign-on Registration, select Continue.
- Enter your local user account password.
- When prompted, select Set up. You will be redirected to sign in using a web browser.
- Enter your Email Address and select Next.
- Verify your identity with a security method by selecting one of the options, then close the web browser when complete.
- Select Enable on the Enable Touch ID window.
- Select Continue when prompted.
- Enter your Okta Password when prompted and select Sign in.
- When you see Registration Complete, select Close.
Your Okta password is now synced with your local computer account. The next time you log in to the computer, you will use your Okta password. You can also Use Okta FastPass as an Okta Verify security method when signing in through Okta on the computer. Okta FastPass uses Touch ID and the Okta Verify app on the computer and does not require a phone or additional device for authentication.
Note: If you reset your Bowdoin account password, the computer login password updates to your new password automatically. See Reset Your Bowdoin Account Password in the Related Articles section.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.