Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification  

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification

    How to Turn On or Off Two-step Verification for your Microsoft Account
    Published by
    08 Dec 2021
    Designer Media Ltd

    How to Turn On or Off Two-step Verification for your Microsoft Account


    Two-step verification uses two ways to verify your identity whenever you sign in to your Microsoft account:

    • Your password
    • An extra security code

    Two-step verification helps protect your account by making it more difficult for a hacker to sign in, even if they've somehow learned your password. If you turn on two-step verification, you'll see an extra page every time you sign in on a device that isn't trusted. The extra page prompts you to enter a security code to sign in. We can send a new security code to your phone or your alternate email address, or you can obtain one through the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone.

    If you turn off two-step verification, you won't be prompted for a security code when you sign in to your Microsoft account on a device that isn't trusted.

    For more information, see:


    This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off two-step verification protection for your Microsoft account.

    Some apps (like the mail apps on some smartphones) or devices (like the Xbox 360, for example) can't prompt you to enter a security code when you try to sign in. If you get an incorrect password error with an app or device, you'll need to create a unique app password to sign in. Once you've signed in with your app password, you're all set to use that app or device.

    You will need to create and sign in with a different app password for each app or device that can't prompt you for a security code.

    For how, see: Create or Remove App Passwords in your Microsoft Account when Two-Step Verification is Turned On



    Contents

    • Option One: To Turn On Two-step Verification for your Microsoft Account
    • Option Two: To Turn Off Two-step Verification for your Microsoft Account






    OPTION ONE

    To Turn On Two-step Verification for your Microsoft Account


    1 Go to your Microsoft account security page online at Microsoft, and sign in to verify.

    2 Click/tap on the Advanced security options option. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-1.png

    3 Click/tap on the Turn on link under the Two-step verification section. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-2.png

    4 Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-3.png

    5 Do step 6 (password) or step 7 (passwordless with Microsoft Authenticator) below for how you want to use Two-step verification with your Microsoft account.


    6 To Use Password for Two-step Verification

    A) Click/tap on Cancel, and go to step 8. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-4.png


    7 To Go Passwordless with Microsoft Authenticator app for Two-step Verification

    A) Click/tap on Get now. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-4.png

    B) Install the Microsoft Authenticator on your Android or iOS phone, and sign in to the app with your Microsoft account. When finished setting up the app on your phone, click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-passwordless-1.png

    C) Click/tap on Finish, and go to step 8. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-passwordless-2.png


    8 Follow any steps that apply to you in the screenshot below, and click/tap on Next.

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-password-1.png

    9 Click/tap on Finish. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_on_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-password-2.png






    OPTION TWO

    To Turn Off Two-step Verification for your Microsoft Account


    1 Go to your Microsoft account security page online at Microsoft, and sign in to verify.

    2 Click/tap on the Advanced security options option. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_off_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-1.png

    3 Click/tap on the Turn off link under the Two-step verification section. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_off_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-2.png

    4 Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)

    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-turn_off_two-step_verification_microsoft_account-3.png


    That's it,
    Shawn Brink






  1. Posts : 15
    10, 7, Server 2012, ...
       #1

    Shawn, buddy!
    I know you can help me. I do not have that last box. Instead I have a box that says "Stay Secure with Windows 10". No "more" options anywhere. All the directions I read say to click on the "More Security options" and I thought I was crazy because I couldn't find it. At least now with your page, I see where it is supposed to be, I just don't have it. Is it still there for you?
    BTW, I have the authenticator app enabled fwiw.
    Turn On or Off Microsoft Account Two-step Verification-image.png
    Last edited by sflesch; 19 Dec 2020 at 12:07. Reason: Added pic, made correction
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Hello @sflesch,

    It looks like Microsoft changed it up a bit. I will update the tutorial soon. Now updated.

    You can click/tap on Advanced security options now instead in your screenshot.

    You will then see a setting to turn on/off Two-step verification.
    Last edited by Brink; 19 Dec 2020 at 14:44.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 42,637
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #3

    Hi Shawn, noted there's no clearly documented way as to how to log in with 2 factor authentication without a smart phone. It's taken for granted everyone has one these days, alas. Please see:
    Data Breach Question

    for example.

    I noted Sobraunfer's answer here:
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...3-32f557b0c37f

    Worth a tutorial? Certainly seems less than clear.. Thanks.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    dalchina said:
    Hi Shawn, noted there's no clearly documented way as to how to log in with 2 factor authentication without a smart phone. It's taken for granted everyone has one these days, alas. Please see:
    Data Breach Question

    for example.

    I noted Sobraunfer's answer here:
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...3-32f557b0c37f

    Worth a tutorial? Certainly seems less than clear.. Thanks.
    Hey mate,

    I'll take a look. It doesn't help when things keep changing either.
      My Computers


 

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