Activate Your Account

Before You Begin

To complete your account activation, you will need two devices:

1. Primary device: A computer or mobile device, to perform your account activation.
2. Secondary device: A personal mobile device, to secure your account with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Install the Microsoft Authenticator App

The Microsoft Authenticator app is required for account activation and should be installed on your secondary device before you begin.

The app safeguards your account by verifying your identity during sign-ins. When a sign-in is attempted, a notification is sent to the app, allowing you to verify and approve or deny the sign-in from your mobile device.

TIP

Have your Apple App Store or Google Play Store account details ready, as you may be asked for them during installation.

1. Visit https://aka.ms/AuthApp on your secondary device and follow the instructions for your device type (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
2. Install and open the Microsoft Authenticator app. When prompted, allow it to send you notifications.
3. Accept the privacy policy, choose whether to enable or disable data sharing, and continue. Skip signing in to Microsoft.

You may set your secondary device aside for now. It will be required later in the activation process.

Activation

Your administrator will provide a secure link with your account details, including your username, temporary password, and sign-in URL. If you haven’t received this information or the link has expired, contact your administrator.

First Sign-In

1. Navigate to microsoft365.com and click "Sign in".
2. Sign in with your username and temporary password.
3. You'll be prompted to set a new password. Confirm your temporary password, create and confirm a new password, and click "Sign in".
4. Click "Next" to begin your account's security setup.

Security

For security, your account requires two methods of identification: the Microsoft Authenticator app and a personal email address.

Method 1: Microsoft Authenticator

TIP

Have your secondary device ready, the Microsoft Authenticator app will be required.

1. The first identification method is the Microsoft Authenticator app. Click "Next" to begin.
2. The Microsoft Authenticator app must be allowed to send notifications on your secondary device. Click "Next".
3. The Microsoft website will display a QR code for use with the Microsoft Authenticator app.
4. On your secondary device, open the Microsoft Authenticator app and tap "Scan a QR code". If prompted, allow the app to access the camera.
5. Scan the QR code on the Microsoft website to add your account to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   1. If you're unable to scan the QR code, tap "Or enter code manually".
   2. On the Microsoft website, click "Can't scan image?".
   3. Manually enter the information from the Microsoft website into the Microsoft Authenticator app.
6. On the Microsoft website, click "Next". The website will test the connection with the Microsoft Authenticator app and will display a verification number.
7. On your secondary device, the Microsoft Authenticator app will send a notification prompting you to enter the verification number. Enter the number from the Microsoft website and approve the sign-in.
8. On the Microsoft website, click "Next" to complete Method 1.

Do not remove the Microsoft Authenticator app from your device. Removing it may prevent you from signing in to new devices and reduce your account’s security.

Method 2: Email

1. Enter your email address and click "Next".
2. Microsoft will email a 6-digit code to the email address.
3. On the Microsoft website, enter the code and click "Next" to complete Method 2.

Congratulations! 🎉

Finally, click "Done" and "Yes" if prompted to stay signed-in.

You'll be directed to your account dashboard. From here, you can manage your account, access web versions of the Microsoft 365 apps, and view recent documents. Microsoft 365 for Business Standard or Premium accounts may also download the installer for the Microsoft 365 desktop apps.

Your Microsoft account is now activated and ready to use! Simply sign in at microsoft365.com to access all of your work, no matter where you are.