Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator

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

Set Up Microsoft MFA

Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App

Add MFA Methods from Your Account Settings

Set Up Microsoft MFA

1. Go to office.cpcc.edu and sign in with your Central Piedmont email address and password. Be sure to use the correct email format:

   • Students: username@email.cpcc.edu

   • Employees: firstname.lastname@cpcc.edu

2. Students only: complete the Duo verification. 

3. When you see a prompt that says "More information required," click Next to begin the MFA setup.

   • If you do not see this prompt and are logged in to your account, follow the steps to Add MFA Methods from your Account Settings.

4. You may be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. For help setting up the app, review the instructions for Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App in the next section. 

   • If you cannot get the Authenticator app on your phone, click "I want to set up a different method" at the bottom left of the prompt.

5. Choose a method from the options provided.

   • 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. Be sure to set up at least one additional method to ensure you can access your account.

6. Follow the prompts on the page to set up your first method.

7. By default, method 2 will be "Hardware Token". Unless you have been provided a hardware token from the ITS Service Desk, click "I want to set up a different method" at the bottom left of the prompt.

8. Choose your second method from the options provided and follow the prompts to set it up.

9. After you set up both methods, you will see a message stating you successfully set up your security info. Click "Done" to continue signing in.

Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App

1. Begin this process on a different device than the phone you will set up the Microsoft Authenticator app (such as a desktop computer or laptop).

2. Sign in to myaccount.microsoft.com 

3. When you see the prompt saying More information required, click Next.

   

4. You will be prompted to download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

   

   Note: You can set up a different MFA method if you cannot use the mobile app. Click "I want to set up a different method" at the bottom left of the prompt.

5. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone):

6. After downloading the app, tap Next on the webpage. The next page will provide a QR code. Leave this page open and go to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

7. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

8. Allow notifications when asked.

9. You will see a privacy statement. Tap Accept, then Continue.

10. Select Add work or school account.

• If you already have another account connected, tap Add Account or the Plus icon in the upper right of the screen, then choose Work or school account.

11. Tap Scan a QR Code.

12. Scan the QR code you were provided.

13. After you scan the QR code, go back to the webpage and click Next.​​​​​​

14. You will be given an example of how the app works. When you see Approve sign in request, you'll receive a notification on your phone from the Authenticator app.

15. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone and enter the two-digit number you were provided.

16. After approving the sign in request with the app, you will be signed in and are finished setting up Microsoft Authenticator.

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. Be sure to set up at least one additional method to ensure you can access your account.

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 in your "sign-in methods".

IMPORTANT: You must 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 you forget your password or get locked out. 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