Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app from Microsoft for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices that helps protect your UWin Account (Microsoft work/school account). Passwords alone are no longer enough to keep accounts secure. Microsoft Authenticator adds an extra layer of protection that helps prevent unauthorized access, even if someone else knows your password.

Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app from Microsoft for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices that helps protect your UWin Account (Microsoft work/school account). Passwords alone or with MFA using a text message are no longer enough to keep accounts secure. Microsoft Authenticator adds an extra layer of protection that helps prevent unauthorized access, even if someone else knows your password.

Microsoft Authenticator is more secure than text message MFA because:

• It is device‑based, not phone‑number‑based
• It resists SIM‑swap and interception attacks
• It provides stronger protection against phishing
• It can eliminate passwords altogether

For these reasons, University of Windsor is implementing MS Authenticator as a primary MFA method and phasing out text message MFA by Dec 31, 2026. 

Installation and Setup

If this app is not yet installed on your mobile device:

1. Open the app store:
   • iPhone: App Store
   • Android: Google Play Store
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator
3. Install the app published by Microsoft Corporation
4. Open the app once installation is complete
5. Tap Allow to allow the app to send your notifications
6. Tap Accept to acknowledge Microsoft's privacy statement
7. Tap Continue on the next screen; this will bring you to a screen with three buttons
8. Tap Add work or school account button

You should now see a box with two options: "Scan a QR" code and "Sign in." Put your phone down for now and switch to your computer. 

1. On your computer, open a web browser
2. Go to: myprofile.microsoft.com
3. Sign in using your work or school account
4. If prompted, complete any existing MFA challenge

You should now see the Security info page where you will need to add Microsoft Authenticator as a sign‑in method:

1. On the Security info page, select Add sign‑in method
2. From the list, choose Microsoft Authenticator
   
   
    
3. Click Next on Install Microsoft Authenticator screen
4. Click Next on Setup your account in app screen
5. Go back to you phone and tap Scan a QR code option
6. Tap While using this app to allow Authenticator app to take pictures and record video
7. Use your phone, to scan the QR code shown on your computer screen
8. Tap OK on App Lock Enabled screen on your phone
9. Click Next 
10. Enter the number shown on your computer screen in the box on Are you trying to sign in screen on your phone and tap Yes 
11. Tap Done on Authenticator added screen on your computer

✅ Microsoft Authenticator is now registered for MFA in your University of Windsor Microsoft work/school account (UWin Account).