Microsoft Office Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Starting April 29, 2025, you will be asked to set up multi-factor authentication when logging into Microsoft Office applications. Multi-factor Authentication is an authentication method that requires the user to provide additional verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application. To use MFA first you will need to install an Authenticator application and then set up the authenticator in your Microsoft account.

Installing the Microsoft Authenticator Application (Recommended)


How to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your IOS mobile device.

  1. From your mobile phone visit the Download Microsoft Authenticator app website.
  2. Click the Install the app link.
  3. Under Apple Store select Get the app link or Scan the QR code.
  4. Once in the Apple store click the button to Get/Install/Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  5.  If prompted, choose to Allow Camera Access so the Microsoft Authenticator app can scan QR codes.

Note:  If you use the Apple Face ID feature on your iOS device, you may also be prompted to add or allow Face ID for the "Microsoft Authenticator" Application.  Use of Face ID is optional, and if chosen may require you to scan a 2nd QR code or to input a code provided by Apple. 

How to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your Android mobile device.

  1. From your mobile phone visit the Download Microsoft Authenticator app website.
  2. Click the Install the app link.
  3. Under Google Play select Get the app link or Scan the QR code.

Note: This link may open in a browser instead of the Google Play Store app and you may see an option to Open in App instead. We recommend that you open the link in the Google Play Store app if possible.

       4. You should be taken to the Google Play Store with a button to Install/Update/Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.  Click the button to install (or update or open) the app.

       5. If prompted, choose to Allow Camera Access so the Microsoft Authenticator app can scan QR codes.

How to install the Microsoft Authenticator App from a computer.

  1. In a web browser on your computer, visit the Download Microsoft Authenticator app - Microsoft.com page. From the Microsoft Authenticator page either scan the QR code or open the download page for the appropriate device, on your mobile device.
  2.  Click the Install the app button.
  3.  In the Get the app on your phone section, scan the appropriate QR code with your iOS or Android mobile device camera or QR reader app.  
  4. Click on the link that appears to open either the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.
  5.  You should be taken to the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store  with a button to Get/Install/Update/Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.  Click the button to install (or get or update or open) the app.
  6. If prompted, choose to Allow Camera Access so the Microsoft Authenticator app can scan QR codes.

How to set up Multi-factor Authentication on your Microsoft Office account

  1. From your computer go to https://myaccount.microsoft.com/.
  2. Click on UPDATE INFO in the Security info tile.

          

3. Click Add sign-in method.

  

4. Click the Choose a method drop down and select Authenticator app.

          

 5. Click Next after the Microsoft Authenticator app is installed on your phone.

           

                                  OR

       Click I want to use a different authenticator app. Follow the instructions for setting up other authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator or Authy Authenticator.

           

 6. On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app. Allow notifications if prompted.

 7. In the app, click Add account or the Plus Sign +. Select Work or School account and the option to Scan QR Code.

           

8. If prompted, Allow the Microsoft Authenticator app to Access the Camera.

9. Use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to scan the QR code that appears on the computer screen.  After you scan the code, click Next.

10. If prompted, Allow the Authenticator app to Send You Notifications.

11. On your phone, Approve the test notification from Microsoft Authenticator.

 

You're all set and can now use the Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

 

Contact the IT Helpdesk if none of these authenticator options apply and we will look at alternative means of authenticating.

 

 

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