Microsoft has recently combined the Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) registration process. This document provides details to help users register and update their security information.
Here is the list of authentication methods and what they can be used for:
Authentication Methods
| Microsoft Authenticator App - Notification |
MFA and SSPR |
| Microsoft Authenticator App - Code |
MFA |
| OATH Token (Hardware or Software) |
MFA and SSPR |
| SMS (Text Message) |
MFA and SSPR |
| Voice Call |
MFA and SSPR |
| Email |
SSPR |
New users
On initial sign-in, new users will be forced through a password reset process.
Go to https://portal.office.com and enter the credentials provided to you.
You will be prompted to change your password.
You are required to configure a second authentication mechanism to keep your account secure. Click Next.
To setup the Smart Phone app, Download the “Microsoft Authenticator” Application on your smart phone. Once installed, Click Next on the web page and follow the directions.
Please add additional authentication methods to your account once you are logged into your account by following the below instructions.
To modify your security settings:
Log into https://portal.office.com, go to the lower left corner, click on the circle with your initials and click “View Account”. Or directly by going to the URL: https://aka.ms/setupsecurityinfo
Select “Security Info” on the left
From this screen you can Add or Modify all your authentication methods.
Available Authentication Methods
Microsoft Authenticator – If you have multiple devices, you can add up to five of these devices. Code or push notification
Phone – Text code or Voice call confirmation
Alternate Phone – Voice call confirmation
Email – Code. Used for password resets only.
To change the Default sign-in method
Click “Change”
Select the method you want to use as default. The other methods are still available in case you do not have access to the default method.
Also note that you will be prompted every 180 days to validate your authentication methods are correct.
Pennsylvania College of Technogy's ITS department encourages the use of the “Microsoft Authenticator – Notification” method. This will simplify the process by sending a notification on your device with an Accept or Deny button.
The Microsoft Authenticator App will prompt you to enter the number on the screen. Enter the number and click Approve if you were trying to sign in, or No, it's not me if you were not.
