Setting Up Microsoft MFA

Overview

Microsoft multifactor authentication (MFA) is required for all Central Piedmont students and employees to access their accounts.

MFA adds an extra layer of security to your login by requiring more than just your password. When signing in, you’ll need to verify your login with an additional step, such as entering a code into the Authenticator app. This helps protect your account from unauthorized access, even if someone gets hold of your password.

Follow the steps below to get started with Microsoft MFA.

Contents

Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App

Setting up an alternative method (SMS/Call Phone)

Add MFA Methods from Your Account Settings

Set up the Microsoft Authenticator App

1. Sign in to myaccount.microsoft.com 

2. When you see the prompt saying Let's keep your account secure, click Next.
   

3. You will be prompted to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
   

4. If you are doing this from your phone, you can click the relavant download link to install the app. If you are doing this from a different device, you can search the app store on your phone for Microsoft Authenticator to install the app (make sure it is the Microsoft Authenticator app as other apps have similar icons).

5. After installing the app, click Next on the webpage. click Next once more on the Set up your account in app screen.
   

   1. If you are doing this from your phone, you will see a Now pair Authenticator with your account screen. Tap the Pair your account to the app by clicking this link. Once the account has been paired with the app, click Next.
      

   2. If you are doing this from another device like a laptop, you will see the Scan the QR code screen. Leave this page open and go to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
      

   3. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap the Scan QR code button and scan the QR displayed on your other devices screen to add the account.
      
      If you already have an account in the Microsoft Authenticator app, you can tap the blue circle icon in the bottom left to scan the QR code and add the account.

6. Once the account is added, you will see a Let's try it out screen on the original screen you were signing in from. You will receive a notification on your phone to approve the request. If you don't see the notification, open the Microsoft Authenticator app. Enter the 2-digit number and approve it.
   

7. Once approved you will see the Authenticator Added screen. At this point the authenticator app has been successfully setup and can be used to sign in.
   

Set up an alternative method (SMS/Call Phone)

1. Sign in to myaccount.microsoft.com 

2. When you see the prompt saying Let's keep your account secure, click Next.
   

3. You will be prompted to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. Instead of clicking Next, click Set up a different way to sign in.
   

4. On the Add a sign-in method screen, click Phone.
   

5. Enter your phone number and click Next. This will text you a 6-digit code.
   

6. On the Verify your phone number screen, enter the 6-digit code that was sent to you and click Next.
   

7. Once verified you will see the Phone number added screen. At this point the phone number method has been successfully setup and can be used to sign in.
   

Add MFA Methods from your Account Settings

1. Log in to myaccount.microsoft.com.

2. Click Security Info from the menu on the left side of the page.
   

3. Click ​​​Add sign-in method.
   

4. Choose the sign-in method you want to set up. 
   NOTE: Email can be used for account recovery (if you forget your password or get locked out), but it cannot be used as a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method when signing in.
   

5. Follow prompts to finish setting up your chosen method.

6. When you complete the setup, you should see a message on the webpage stating that the method was added or successfully registered, and the new method will appear on the Security Info screen.

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to have at least two sign-in methods (in addition to "password"). If you only have one method, you will not be able to recover your account if your primary method is no longer working. Email can be used for account recovery (if you forget your password or get locked out), but it cannot be used as a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method when signing in. Be sure to set up at least one additional method to ensure you can access your account.

Related

Logging in with Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Password Management