Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup
Introduction
- When signing into your Microsoft account for the first time or after an account reset, you will be required to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- To set up alternative authentication methods scroll to the bottom of this article.
- For instructions on resetting your password see this article.
MFA Setup
1. Log into Office.com. You will be prompted to set up MFA immediately after logging in with this prompt:
2. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from your mobile device's app store.
- Microsoft requires the Microsoft Authenticator app be used as the primary method of MFA. If you do not want to use this app, you will not be able to log into your account.
- By installing this app, IT does not have any visibility into your mobile device or other personal data.
3. After downloading Microsoft Authenticator, on your PC select Next on and you will receive a QR code.
4. On your mobile device in the Authenticator app select "Scan a QR Code"
5. After scanning the QR code you should see your account on the home page of the app.
6. On your PC you will be presented a number. On your mobile device you will see a prompt to enter the number, do so there.
7. Setup is complete after entering the number you were presented.
Set Up Alternative MFA Methods
During setup you may have been prompted to set up alternative MFA methods in case your authenticator app runs into an issue. Follow these steps to set up alternative MFA methods if you did not complete this during initial setup.
NOTE: You're still required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary MFA method.
Log into Office.com
Select your profile icon on the lower left corner > View Account
Under Security Info select Update Info
You will be prompted for MFA.
Select Add sign-in method and add a method of your choice. Our team suggests adding your mobile phone number to enable MFA texts.
