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Set up Microsoft MFA to access your Microsoft 365 apps securely

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra security check when you sign in. It helps protect your University accounts and information, even if someone else knows your password. Microsoft MFA is used when you specifically access Microsoft 365 services with your University account, including Outlook, OneDrive, Teams and Microsoft Office.

You will be asked to set it up when you first sign in to a Microsoft service. We recommend using the free Microsoft Authenticator app.

Secure all your University accounts

The University uses three different security methods. Each protects different accounts and services, so setting up one does not automatically set up the others. To avoid problems accessing the systems you need for your studies, make sure you complete all three setups at the beginning of your studies or when prompted:

The prompts may look different because each method protects a separate account or service.

Setting up your MFA

Before you begin

You will need:

  • Your University email address and password
  • Your mobile phone
  • A second device, such as a laptop or computer, on which to display the setup QR code
  • The free Microsoft Authenticator app

Download Microsoft Authenticator:

Setting up MFA for the first time

  1. On a computer, go to Microsoft 365 and sign in with your University email address and password.
  2. When asked to provide more information or secure your account, select Next.
  3. Follow the instructions until a QR code appears on your computer screen. Keep this page open.
  4. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone and select the plus (+) icon.
  5. Select Work or school account, then Scan QR code.
  6. Scan the QR code shown on your computer.
  7. Return to your computer and select Next.
  8. You may receive a test notification. Enter the number shown on your computer into the app, then select Approve.
  9. When the setup is confirmed, select Done.

Your University account should now appear in Microsoft Authenticator, and is ready to use moving forward.

Additional information

After setting up Microsoft MFA, you may need to update it if you get a new phone, want to add another sign-in method or no longer have access to a device connected to your account.

The instructions above require you to sign in using an existing MFA method. If you have lost your phone or cannot use any of the methods connected to your account, contact the Service Desk. They can help you regain access and set up Microsoft MFA on another device.

Expand the sections below to view the instructions and additional information

Use these instructions if you want to add another way to confirm your identity or connect Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone. Having another available sign-in method can also help if you cannot use your usual device.

  1. Go to Microsoft Security info.
  2. Sign in with your University email address and password.
  3. Complete Microsoft MFA using your current method.
  4. Select Add sign-in method.
  5. Choose the method you want to add.
  6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

Note: If you already have MFA set up for M365, you do not need to reregister unless you are using an unsupported method

Use these instructions after setting up your replacement method, or if a method listed on your account is no longer used.

  1. Go to Microsoft Security info.
  2. Sign in and complete Microsoft MFA.
  3. Find the phone or sign-in method you want to remove.
  4. Select Delete.
  5. Follow the instructions to confirm.

Important: do not remove your current method until you have added and tested its replacement.

Need more help?

If you need help setting up Microsoft MFA or accessing your account, contact the Service Desk for support.

Contact the Service Desk

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