Microsoft Authenticator Setup

You will be required to setup the Microsoft Authenticator on your Western account. The Microsoft Authenticator adds another form of identification: Your password and a code sent to your mobile device. This protects your Western account from unauthorized access.

  1. You will be prompted with the following upon signing into your Western Email or MyWestern. Click Next
    1.  If you click Skip

          More_Info

  2. You will need to install the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device.
        
        Get_App

    1. The following link will provide install instructions - Microsoft Mobile Authenticator App | Microsoft Security 

  3. After downloading the app on your mobile device, click Next on your computer. 

        App_Account

  4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.

    1. Click the + symbol located in the upper as indicated in the picture below. 

          App_Plus

    2. Select Work or School account.

          Work_School

    3. Select Scan a QR Code.

          QR_App

    4. Scan the QR code on the computer screen and click Next.

         Scan_QR

  5. On the computer, enter the 6 Digit number displayed in the Authenticator app and click Next.

        App_Code

  6. Click Done on the next screen to finish the setup.

Managing Authentication Methods

Navigate to My Sign-Ins | Security Info | Microsoft.com and sign-in with your Western email account.

  1. To add a new sign-in method, please click the + symbol as indicated in the photo below.

       Add_Auth 

  2. To edit an existing sign-in method click on one of the following:
    1. Change - Edit the current settings
    2. Delete - Delete the selected sign-in method

  3. If you have lost or misplaced your mobile device you can click Sign out everywhere option indicated below. This will sign you out of your Western accounts on all devices.

        Sign_Out

General MFA Information & FAQs

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) significantly boosts the security of your Western account by adding two forms of identification: your password and a code sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app. This additional layer of security makes it more challenging for unauthorized users to access your account, even if they have your password. As cyber threats become more advanced, MFA helps safeguard your account against unauthorized access, identity theft, and data breaches. 

I have added my phone as a sign-in method, why is it asking me for an authentication code?

By default, the most secure method of authentication on your account will be used at login, which will always be the Microsoft Authenticator app. Text messages and Phone calls will be used as a secondary verification method.

 

I have not setup an authentication method, why am I being asked for a code?

You will be allowed to skip the authentication setup 3 times. After the 3rd skip your account will have to be reconfigured, please call the helpdesk for assistance. We can be reached at 608-789-6266 Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm.

 

What do I do if I do not know my password and have not setup my Microsoft Authenticator?

For account security reasons, please contact PC Services for assistance regaining access to your account and re-configuring your authentication method. We can be reached at 608-789-6266 Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm

 

What if I lose access to my phone or MFA methods?

If you lose access to your phone or your MFA methods, please contact PC Services for assistance regaining access to your account. We can be reached at 608-789-6266 Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm

 

If you need further assistance please contact the PC Service Help Desk at 608-789-6266 or pcservice@westerntc.edu.


Keywords:
password, reset, self, service, sspr, authentication, mfa, setup, enrollment, enroll, auth 
Doc ID:
130296
Owned by:
Linda W. in Western Technical College
Created:
2023-08-11
Updated:
2025-03-19
Sites:
Western Technical College