How to enable two-step verification on Microsoft account

• On a Microsoft account to enable two-step verification, open Security > Advanced security options, and enable “Two-step verification.”
• Install the Microsoft Authentication app and add the Microsoft account to secure.
• To disable two-step verification, from Advanced security options turn off “Two-step verification.”

On a Microsoft account, you can enable the “two-step verification” (or “two-factor authentication” (2FA)) to add a second form of identification to sign in to your account, making it virtually impossible for someone else to gain unauthorized access to your account.

The two-step verification adds another layer of security using the “Microsoft Authenticator” app. When you enable the feature and you try to login into places, such as your Microsoft account, Outlook on the web, or Windows 11, you will receive a code on your phone to complete the sign-in process to a Microsoft account. 

In this guide, you will learn the steps to enable the two-factor authentication security feature on your Microsoft account.

• Enable two-step verification on Microsoft account
• Create app password on Microsoft account
• Disable two-step verification on Microsoft account

Enable two-step verification on Microsoft account

To set up two-step verification on a Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft account online.

2. Sign in to the account (if applicable).

3. Click the Security tab.

4. Under the “Security basics” section, click the Advanced security options link.

5. Under the “Additional security” section, click the “Turn on” link for the Two-step verification option.

   

6. Click the Next button.

   

7. Click the Get it now button to download the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android or iPhone. 

   

8. Sign in to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone with your Microsoft account. sign in 

9. On the Microsoft account page, click the Next button.

   

10. Click the Finish button.

11. Click the Next button.

    

12. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, you can turn on the passwordless option more easily.

Create app password on Microsoft account

Some applications may not work with the security option. If this is the case, you will need to create an app password to sign in. 

To create an app password for your Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft account online.

2. Sign in to the account (if applicable).

3. Click the Security tab.

4. Under the “Security basics” section, click the Advanced security options link.

5. Under the “App passwords” section, click the Create a new app password option.

   

6. Use the generated password on the app or device that doesn’t support two-step verification.

   

7. Click the Done button.

After you complete the steps, you can use the password to sign in from the applications that don’t support the second form of authentication.

Disable two-step verification on Microsoft account

To disable the two-step verification method on your Microsoft account, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft account online.

2. Sign in to the account (if applicable).

3. Click the Security tab.

4. Under the “Security basics” section, click the Advanced security options link.

5. Under the “Additional security” section, click the “Turn off” link for the Two-step verification option.

   

6. Click the Yes button.

After you complete the steps, the two-step verification feature will be disabled in the account, and you will revert to a single form of authentication.