Two Factor Authentication (2FA) on Microsoft Office 365 (and anywhere else that supports it) dramatically improves the security of your account and information if your password has been compromised.
Read https://stellarise.com/how-to-setup-2fa-on-microsoft-office-365-and-sign-in-to-outlook-with-an-app-password/ and find out more why Two Factor Authentication is so important.
Step-by-step guide
If two factor authentication has been enforced for your account, then you will need to set it up as follows:
- Log into https://portal.office.com with your email and password.
- After the first login screen, you will be told More information required. Click Next.
- You will be prompted to setup two factor authentication. Click Set it up now
You now need to setup an additional security verification method (your second factor). You can have more than one method and you can choose between:
- A text message sent to your mobile
- A phone call
- The Microsoft Authenticator app (which runs on your phone) For iOS devices, download it from the app store here: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458 and for Android devices, download it from google play here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator&hl=en_GB
- Once you have set up your additional security verification(s) click Next.
App Passwords
As the final step of the process, you will be given an app specific password, which can be used to login to applications or devices that don't support 2FA.
- Copy and Save the password somewhere temporarily if you need it. Otherwise you can skip this step.
From now on when you login with your Microsoft Office 365 account, for example when you log into https://portal.outlook.com, you will be required to use the second factor you have set up.
If you need to create more app passwords, follow How do I setup another App Password?