To increase the security of your account, you can require two steps to sign in.
Turn two-step verification on or off
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Sign in toyour Microsoft account Advanced security options.
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Under Additional security and Two-step verificationchoose Turn on orTurn off.
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Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Note:As part of setting up this account, you’ll be given a QR code to scan with your device; this is one way we ensure you are in physical possession of the device you are installing the Authenticator app to.
About two-step verification or two-step authentication
What is two-step verification?
Two-step verification (sometimes called two-step authentication) helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your Microsoft account. It uses two different forms of identity: your password, and a contact method (also known as security info). Even if someone else finds your password, they'll be stopped if they don't have access to your security info. This is also why it's important to use different passwords for all your accounts.
Important:If you turn on two-step verification, you will always need two forms of identification. This means that if you forget your password, you need two contact methods. Or if you lose your contact method, your password alone won't get you back into your account—and it can take you 30 days to regain access. You may even lose access to the account. For that reason, we strongly recommend you have threepieces of security info associated with your account, just in case.
What happens when you turn on two-step verification?
If you turn on two-step verification, you’ll get a security code to your email, phone, or authenticator app every time you sign in on a device that isn't trusted. When two-step verification is turned off, you will only have to verify your identity with security codes periodically, when there might be a risk to your account security.
What you'll need for set up
Two-step verification begins with an email address (we recommend two different email addresses, the one you normally use, and one as a backup just in case), a phone number, or an authenticator app. When you sign in on a new device or from a new location, we'll send you a security code to enter on the sign-in page.For more info about the authenticator app, see How to use the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Learn more
If you forget your password when you have two-step verification turned on for your account, you can reset your password as long as we have two ways to contact you, like one of the alternate contact email addresses or phone numbersthat you used when you turned on two-step verification.
Depending on what security info you have added to your account, this requirement might mean entering a security code from your authenticator app and entering a security code that was emailed to your backup email account.
To reset your password, follow the steps inHow to reset your Microsoft account password. Instead of receiving one security code to verify your identity, though, you'll receive two.
If you're looking for info about changing, removing, or updating the alternate email address or phone number where you get security codes, follow the steps in eitherSecurity info & verification codesorReplace your Microsoft account security info.
Some apps (like the mail apps on some phones) or devices (like the Xbox 360) can't use regular security codes. If you see an “incorrect password” error on an app or device after you turn on two-step verification, but you’re sure your password was correct, that means you'll need an app password for that app or device.
App passwords are only available if you use two-step verification. If you don't have two-step verification turned on, you won't see the App passwords section on the Additional security options page.
Read about how to create and use app passwords inApp passwords and two-step verification.
Did you know you can increase the security of your account by removing your password and signing in with a passwordless method instead? Learn how to go passwordless with your Microsoft Account.
Two-step verification, also known as two-step authentication, stands as a crucial barrier against unauthorized access to your accounts, offering an added layer of security beyond the conventional password setup. As an enthusiast well-versed in cybersecurity, I've extensively dealt with and implemented two-step verification protocols across various platforms.
The article touches upon fundamental concepts necessary for understanding and setting up two-step verification for a Microsoft account. Here's a breakdown:
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Two-Step Verification/Authentication:
- Enhances security by requiring two distinct forms of identification: your password and a second factor like a phone, email, or an authenticator app.
- Even if someone gains access to your password, they're thwarted without the second authentication factor.
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Enabling Two-Step Verification:
- Access the Microsoft account's "Advanced security options" to turn on or off two-step verification.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically include scanning a QR code with your device for setting up the Authenticator app.
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Necessities for Setup:
- Essential prerequisites include at least one email address (preferably two, for primary and backup), a phone number, or an authenticator app.
- Whenever signing in from a new device or location, a security code will be sent for verification.
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Impact of Two-Step Verification:
- With two-step verification active, a security code is required for each sign-in on an untrusted device, significantly enhancing security.
- Disabling two-step verification leads to periodic identity verification requests in potential risk scenarios.
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Resetting Password with Two-Step Verification:
- Password reset necessitates two contact methods, such as alternate email addresses or phone numbers added during two-step verification setup.
- Resetting the password might require entering security codes from both the authenticator app and a backup email.
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App-Specific Passwords and Two-Step Verification:
- Certain apps or devices unable to use regular security codes necessitate app-specific passwords when two-step verification is active.
- Instructions on creating and utilizing app passwords are available when two-step verification is enabled.
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Passwordless Authentication:
- An alternative approach to boost account security involves eliminating traditional passwords and opting for passwordless methods. This method is available for Microsoft Accounts as well.
Understanding and implementing these steps not only fortifies the security of your Microsoft account but also aligns with broader best practices in securing online accounts against potential breaches.
