How do I set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Microsoft Authenticator on my UNCW Account?

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Answer

All faculty, staff and students have the ability to set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Microsoft Authenticator on their UNCW account.
 

Set up Two-Factor Authentication with Microsoft Authenticator

 

  1. Please sign in to your school Microsoft account Security Tab at https://account.microsoft.com/security

    Image of the "Sign In" button in Microsoft that needs to be clicked to sign in.
     
  2. Complete a current viable 2FA method to finish signing in:

    Image of the 2FA method options to verify identity to sign in.
     
  3. Once on your My Account page, select "Security Info"

    Image of the "My Account" page showing all the different options to sign in "Security Info" should be selected.
     
  4. Once on your security info screen, click “add a sign-in method.”

    IMage of the security info screen showing the option to click to "add a sign in" method
     
  5. A screen will be displayed, providing several options for selection. Select "Microsoft Authenticator" to proceed with setup.

    Image of the screen where a sign in method is to be selected. Select microsoft authenticator
     
  6. Microsoft will provide you with a prompt denoting that the first step is to download the Microsoft Authenticator application on your mobile device. Before you install the app, click 'Next' to advance through the prompts to the QR code screen. Then, we will guide you through the app download process.

    Image of the microsoft prompt denoting that the first step is to download the microsoft authenticator application. The image highlights clicking "next" on the authenticator page to advance through the download process.
     
  7. Click "next" to display a QR code.

    Image of the Microsoft Authenticator displaying that the "next" button must be clicked to setup the account.
     
  8. Now, using your phone’s app store, proceed to download the Microsoft Authenticator App.

    Image of the Microsoft Authenticator displaying the QR to download the microsoft authenticator application.
     
  9. Android

    Image of the microsoft authenticator application that should be installed on Android phones
     
  10. iPhone

    Image of the microsoft authenticator application that should be installed on an iPhone
     
  11. ​​​Once you download the Microsoft Authenticator application, you will be presented with a screen asking, “Ready to add your first account?” Click "Add Account" to continue setup.

    Image of the Microsoft Athenticator application asking if you are ready to add your first account.and the "add account" button should be clicked.
     
  12. The next screen will ask you to select the account type. For your school account, this would be considered a “work account”. Once you make the “work or school account” selection, you will be prompted to either sign in or scan a QR code.

    Image of the add account page displaying options that can be selected, work or school account should be selected.
     
  13. If you select the sign-in button, you will be required to sign into your UNCW account. To scan a QR code, click "Scan QR Code." Back on your Microsoft Account page, simply scan the QR code using your authentication device’s camera to associate your Microsoft account with the application on your authentication device. Upon successful completion, you should receive the following prompt:

    Image of the Microsoft authenticator displaying the screen provided after successfully completing authentication. The authenticator displays a screen to "let's try it out."
     
  14. On your Microsoft App on your authentication device (phone, tablet, etc.) and enter the number displayed by Microsoft on your computer. Upon successful completion, you will be met with the prompt below. Click next to finish the setup process.

    Image from the Microsoft Authenticator indicating authenticator is successful and now the "next" button must be clicked to proceed.
     
  15. Now that you have successfully configured MS Authenticator for your account. During the rollout process, your sign-in experience will contain the prompt provided below. During the rollout period, feel free to use any valid selection (see note below). Simply click the selection you wish to proceed with for authentication and follow the associated process.

    Image of the microsoft authentication screen that will be displayed during the sign in process. The image shows the different options available to verify your identity.. A selection should be made and then continue to follow the process until authentication is complete.

*Please note:  SMS and Voice are less secure and have been leveraged by threat actors to attack students historically. ITSec recommends leveraging an authenticator app for all 2FA requests.

If you need further assistance, please submit a service request or CHAT with TAC.

Details

Details

Article ID: 169320
Created
Thu 10/23/25 12:15 PM
Modified
Fri 11/7/25 9:54 AM