How should I prepare for setting up Microsoft MFA?

Setting up Microsoft Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) can take up to 10 minutes, and is made much easier by ensuring you are ready with everything necessary.

Overview

Setting up Microsoft Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) can take up to 10 minutes, and is made much easier by ensuring you are ready with everything necessary.

Video Tutorials

Watch this short video to learn how passkeys work:

 

Watch a Video Walkthrough of the Duo to Microsoft MFA Transition Process

 

Preparation Checklist

For the best experience, please review this checklist and confirm you have everything ready prior to starting the Microsoft MFA registration process.

What You Will Need

• 10 uninterrupted minutes to complete the registration process
• Your UIC NetID and password and access to your current Duo MFA method (e.g. Duo Mobile app)
• The device(s) you wish to register as MFA methods (e.g. your computer, mobile phone, a Yubikey, etc.).
• Your personal Apple ID/iCloud or Google account credentials, if applicable to your chosen authentication method. 

Recommended Preparations

If registering your mobile phone:

• Ensure you can install apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store 
• Download the Microsoft Authenticator app: aka.ms/mobileauthenticator on your mobile phone.

If registering a synced passkey:

• Synced passkeys are the recommended MFA solution for nearly all individuals, as they provide an easy way to access the passkey on each of your devices.
• Before registering a synced passkey, ensure your preferred password manager is configured to sync passwords and passkeys across your devices.
  • Apple devices: Follow Set up Apple Passwords (iCloud Keychain) to enable syncing.
  • Android devices and Chrome browsers: Follow Manage Passkeys with Google to configure syncing.
  • Other Browsers (e.g. Edge, Firefox) and 3rd Party Password Managers (e.g. Bitwarden, 1Password): Check the guidance in How do I troubleshoot problems with Microsoft MFA? and for additional information, refer to the respective application's documentation.

Getting Started

When you are ready, head over to Registering Devices in Microsoft MFA.