Microsoft 365
Set up Microsoft Authenticator and change a temporary password
Register multi-factor authentication from a computer and replace a temporary work-account password.
Complete this on a computer, with your phone beside you. Never send your chosen password, an Authenticator code or a screenshot of the QR code to anyone.
Before you begin
- Have the temporary email address and temporary password supplied by your organisation.
- Install or update Microsoft Authenticator on your iPhone or Android phone. Check that the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.
- Use a private or incognito browser window so an existing Microsoft session does not select the wrong organisation.
Open Microsoft MFA setup Get Microsoft Authenticator
Set your password and register MFA
- Open the setup page on your computer.
Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup in the private or incognito window.
- Enter the temporary sign-in details.
Use the complete temporary email address supplied by your organisation, including any onmicrosoft.com ending.
- Create your own password when prompted.
Choose a unique password that you do not use elsewhere. Keep it in an approved password manager. This is normally the password you will use after migration.
- Select Microsoft Authenticator.
On your phone, open Authenticator, select +, choose Work or school account, then choose Scan QR code.
- Scan and test.
Scan the QR code shown on the computer. Approve the test notification and complete any number-matching prompt.
- Confirm completion.
Reply to the migration email using the confirmation wording requested by your organisation. Do not include your password, an Authenticator number or the QR code.
Keeping a personal reference copy: if your organisation has instructed you to do so, you may forward the migration email to a personal email address you control only after the temporary password has been changed and MFA setup is complete. Do not forward it while the temporary password is still valid.
Already using Authenticator? You may temporarily see two work-account entries during a tenant migration. Do not delete the existing entry unless support tells you to do so.
Do not add the temporary account to Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Apple Mail or the Office desktop apps before the instructed cutover time. The account is being prepared only; your existing mailbox remains the live service until cutover.
If the wrong account opens
Sign out, close the browser window, and open a new private or incognito window. Choose Use another account and enter the complete temporary address manually. If the problem continues, contact support.
Microsoft references: Set up security info from a sign-in page; Download Microsoft Authenticator.
Still need help?
Email itsupport@minervaelite.com. Include your name, device type, the application affected, your time zone and next availability, the exact message shown, and a screenshot where possible.
Never send your password or an Authenticator approval code.