The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

Using the Security info page. If your organization provided you with specific steps about how to turn on and manage your two-factor verification, you should follow those instructions first. Otherwise, you can get to your security verification method settings from the Security info page.

By setting up MFA, you add an extra layer of security to your Microsoft 365 account sign-in. For example, you first enter your password and, when prompted, you also type a dynamically generated verification code provided by an authenticator app or sent to your phone.

Select your version of Microsoft 365 below to learn how to activate Microsoft 365. Activate Microsoft 365 or a non-subscription version of Office. Activate Office that's pre-installed on a new Windows device. Activate an Office purchase or offer that's included on a new Windows device.

Check the Xbox services, games, and apps for any service outages.

If you're having problems with two-step verification on a personal Microsoft account, which is an account that you set up for yourself (for example, danielle@outlook.com), see Turning two-step verification on or off for your Microsoft account.

Register the password reset verification method for a work or school account. If you forgot your work or school password, never got a password from your organization, or have been locked out of your account, you can use your security info and your mobile device to reset your work or school password. Your administrator must turn on this feature ...

You can set up an authenticator app to send a notification to your mobile device or to send you a verification code as your security verification method. You aren't required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, and you can select a different app during the set up process.

That's why almost all online services - banks, social media, shopping and yes, Microsoft 365 too - have added a way for your accounts to be more secure. You may hear it called "Two-Step Verification" or "Multifactor Authentication" but the good ones all operate off the same principle.

A theme is a combination of desktop background pictures, window colors, and sounds. Get a theme. To get a theme, expand one of the categories below, select a link for the theme, and then select Open. This saves the theme to your PC and puts it on your desktop.