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Tips to Manage Both a NetID and CWID

For those who have both an Ithaca NetID and a Weill CWID, it can present a challenge to access the Microsoft 365 services connected to your different accounts. IT staff recommend using one of these two options to make things easier.

This article applies to: Identity Management , Microsoft Outlook , Microsoft Teams , NetIDs , SharePoint

Use Multiple Browsers

Microsoft 365 relies on cookie settings to know whether it needs to request a login or not. Browsers store and access their own cookies; Safari does not use Edge's cookies and vice-versa. 

If you log in to Office online with your Ithaca NetID using Safari, Safari's cookies know who you are when you check your Outlook email on the web. But if you try to use Edge to check your NetID email, you need to log in -- Edge does not have a cookie set for your account.

You can leverage this functionality to easily manage a dual NetID/CWID situation. Pick one browser that you will use exclusively with your NetID, and a different browser for your CWID.

Advantages: The option is very simple, and also lets you work with both of your accounts simultaneously in two separate browser windows.
Disadvantage: You need one browser for every account that you want to access.

Use Browser Profiles

Browser profiles accomplish the same task as multiple browsers by letting you set up separate workspaces in one browser. Profiles are almost like clones of the browser; logins, history, bookmarks, and cookies for one profile stay unique and separate from another profile. 

You can create a NetID profile and a CWID profile, and then easily switch between the two depending on what account you need to use.

Advantages: You don't have to work in multiple browsers, and if you need to log into multiple resources (dev, test, and production for example), you can create many profiles on one browser.
Disadvantage: It can take a bit to get used to using profiles effectively.

Follow the instructions from the following vendors to set up profiles on your browser.

Google Chrome

Microsoft Edge

Safari (Mac)

Safari (iPhone)

Firefox

Incognito/Private Window

Browsers allow you to open a new window without using (or saving) browsing history, cookies, or site and form data. This lets you log in with a different ID without using a new browser or setting up a profile.

Look for New Private Window, New Incognito Window, New InPrivate Window (et cetera) under your browser's File menu.

Advantage: You can use this quickly for a one-time need.
Disadvantage: Since private browsing does not save cookies, you have to sign in again after the window closes.

 

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