Microsoft Authenticator – What It Is and How to Set It Up
Summary
This article explains what Microsoft Authenticator is and how to set it up. Microsoft Authenticator helps protect your work account by adding an extra layer of security when logging in. You'll need it to access certain systems like Windows Hello for Business and LinkedIn Learning. It's quick to use and helps keep your information safe.
This guide is broken down into:
- What Microsoft authenticator is
- Pre-Installation Steps - Myaccount.Microsoft
- Installing Microsoft Authenticator on your Mobile
- Final Step - Setting Up Two-Step Authentication
What Is Microsoft Authentication?
Microsoft Authenticator is a mobile app that helps keep your work account secure. It adds a second step to your login. After you enter your password, the app will ask you to approve the sign-in on your phone.
This is part of something called multi-factor authentication (MFA), which is a way of making sure it's really you trying to log in.
Once set up, it’s simple:
- You enter your password as normal
- A notification pops up on your phone from Microsoft Authenticator
- You tap Approve — and you're in!
This extra step only takes a moment and adds strong protection to your account.
Pre-Installation Steps - Myaccount.Microsoft
Before you download the Microsoft Authenticator app check that your security information within the myaccount.microsoft.com portal is up to date.
Go to the myaccount.microsoft.com portal and check that you have a phone number listed.
If you don't follow these steps to add it.
Adding Your Phone Number
Go to myaccount.microsoft.com portal and click "Security Info".
Click '+ Add sign-in method' (Shown in the image below)
You'll see a pop-up box, choose the option 'phone' from the menu.
Next select the country code, add your mobile number (ensuring you remove the 0 from the start if UK) and click next.
You will now recive a 6 digit code to your mobile phone. Enter this in the box shown in the image below and click ‘next. You’ll get confirmation its complete, click done and that’s the initial step finished
Installing Microsoft Authenticator on your Mobile
Please be aware there are a lot of apps that look like authenticator on App stores, to ensure you get the right one please follow the below.
There are 3 options you can choose from to install the app.
Android Devices
Option 1: Please scan the QR code using your phones camera or QR code reader.
Option 2: Click on the link below
Download Microsoft Authenticator - Microsoft Support
Option 3: Download the app for your app store
Go to the Google play store and search for Microsoft Authenticator.
Install the one shown in the image below.
iOS devices
Option 1: Please scan the QR code using your phones camera or QR code reader.
Option 2: Click on the link below
Download Microsoft Authenticator - Microsoft Support
Option 3: Download the app for your app store
Go to the Apple App Store and search for ‘Microsoft Authenticator 4+Protects your online identity’
Install the one shown in the image below.
Final Step - Setting Up Two-Step Authentication
We recommend doing this while you're either In the office or connected to the VPN from home.This helps make sure your account syncs properly after setup.
(If you’re changing your password, see our Changing Your Password guide for more help.)
Go to the Microsoft Security Info page:
https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
Click ‘Add sign-in method’
Choose ‘Authenticator app’
Follow the on-screen steps to link the app and set up notifications and verification codes
Once this is complete, your account will be ready for secure logins using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
FAQ’S
Q: What happens if my mobile number changes
A: Follow the steps below and you can update it:
Go to your myaccount.microsoft portal and click "Security Info".
Locate the number you wish to change and click 'change'
Following the instructions, type in your current number, and then the number you wish to set instead
A code will be sent to the new number entered
Enter the verification code when prompted.
Revision History
Version |
Change |
Actioned by |
Date |
0.1 |
Document re-format, Information broken |
Melissa Eyre |
13/06/2025 |
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Item B2 |
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00/00/2025 |