MFA Initial Setup

Important: You must click Next, and Done after approving the Authenticator app notification to complete setup. Otherwise, MFA will not function appropriately. If you would like more detailed steps, please visit the how-to setup MFA guide.

On your smartphone:

  1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from your smartphone's app store.
  2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  3. Click the + symbol to add an account.
  4. Select "Work or school account."
  5. Click Scan a QR code.
  6. Leave your smartphone aside.

Using both your computer and smartphone:

  1. On your computer, open the Microsoft MFA setup page.
    1. Sign in using your CWU credentials.
  2. Click Next.
  3. Click Next again.
  4. Select Next.
  5. Now, with your smartphone's Microsoft Authenticator app, scan the QR code on your computer.
  6. Click Next on your computer screen.
  7. You should see a message on your computer saying, "Let's try it out" and you should get an approval notification on your smartphone.
    1. Enter the number that appears on the screen on your Microsoft Authenticator app.
  8. Your computer will display a message saying, "Notification approved." Click Next, and Done to complete the setup.
  9. You're almost done!

You're almost there! A few more steps, and it only takes a minute.

  1. View the Microsoft MFA setup page on your computer.
  2. Click Add sign-in method, select Phone.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Enter a phone number that can be called by Microsoft for MFA. This can be a cell phone, home phone, or office phone.
  5. Select Next after you enter a phone number.
    1. Microsoft will call you to verify the phone number you just entered. Answer the call and press the # key on your phone.
  6. Click Done on your computer, and you're set!
  7. You can also configure other methods (e.g., email, another phone as a backup).

You have now successfully configured MFA on your CWU account. Congratulations! You are helping keep yourself and others safe!

MFA Frequently Asked Questions

How to change, add, or delete MFA methods

Troubleshooting your MFA access

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