Microsoft MFA & Account Management Guide
Learn how to configure Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), reset passwords securely using Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR), and manage MFA details as an administrator in Microsoft 365 or Azure Entra ID.
🔹 Part 1 — Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA helps protect your Microsoft 365 account by requiring an additional verification method, such as a phone or Authenticator app, when you sign in.
- Go to aka.ms/mfasetup and sign in with your work or school account.
- Click Next to start setup.
- Choose your preferred authentication method:
- Microsoft Authenticator app — recommended for faster, secure approvals.
- Text message (SMS) — receive a 6-digit verification code.
- Phone call — approve sign-in through voice confirmation.
- For Authenticator setup:
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play.
- In the app, tap Add account → Work or school account.
- Scan the QR code shown on your computer screen.
- Approve the test notification when prompted.
- Click Finish once setup completes.
Tip: You can manage or add new verification methods anytime at
mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
🔹 Part 2 — Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)
If you forget your password or get locked out, you can reset it using Microsoft’s self-service portal or the Windows login screen.
Option A — Online Portal
- Visit passwordreset.microsoftonline.com.
- Enter your organization email address and follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity.
- When resetting your password, ensure it meets your organization’s policy:
- Minimum 8 characters
- At least one uppercase, lowercase, number, and symbol
- Once complete, sign in with your new password at portal.office.com.
Option B — From the Windows Login Screen
- At the login screen, click Reset password (if your organization has enabled it).
- Verify your identity using your registered MFA method.
- Set a new password and sign in again.
Option C — Change Password While Logged In
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Select Change a password.
- Enter your current password and then your new password twice.
Warning: If your MFA verification fails or your account is locked, contact IT support to confirm your recovery methods
at mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
🔹 Part 3 — IT Administrator: Update a User’s MFA Phone Number
Admins can reset or update a user’s MFA phone number via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center or the Azure Entra ID portal.
Method 1 — Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Sign in at admin.microsoft.com.
- Navigate to Users → Active users.
- Select the affected user account.
- Click Manage multifactor authentication under Authentication methods.
- Select Manage user settings.
- Enable Require selected users to provide contact methods again and click Save.
- The user will be prompted to re-register MFA methods upon next sign-in.
Method 2 — Azure Entra ID (Azure AD)
- Go to entra.microsoft.com.
- Under Users → All users, select the target account.
- Navigate to Authentication methods → Edit.
- Remove or update the phone number, or reset MFA registration entirely.
- Click Save. The user will confirm their new MFA method during next sign-in.
Advanced Option: You can also automate MFA management via PowerShell using
Set-MsolUser or Set-AzureADUser for large-scale administration.
✅ Summary
- Users: Register MFA at aka.ms/mfasetup and manage methods at mysignins.microsoft.com.
- Self-Service Reset: Use passwordreset.microsoftonline.com or Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Reset password.
- Admins: Manage MFA info via Microsoft 365 Admin Center or Azure Entra Portal.
Good Practice: Always verify MFA and password reset settings quarterly to ensure users’ methods remain accurate and secure.