Protect an Outlook.com Account with 2-Step Verification

Updated July 01, 2019

To secure your Outlook.com account, start with a strong password. Then, add two-step verification as a second way to log in. When you log in with two-step verification, you'll receive a generated code in a text message to your phone, in an email message, or in an authenticator app. After you set up two-step verification, exempt browsers on devices and computers only you use from the need to enter a code. For the flexibility afforded by POP access and IMAP in email programs, generate app-specific passwords.

Instructions in this article apply to Outlook.com and Outlook Online.

To set up two-step verification on your Outlook.com (and Microsoft) account:

Select your name or picture in the upper-right corner of the window.
Select My account.
If prompted, enter your password and select Sign in.
In the top navigation menu, select Security.
Select More security options.
In the Help us protect your account screen, select the What security info would you like to add dropdown arrow and choose either A phone number or An alternate email address.
If you selected A phone number, enter your phone number and select either Text or Call. If you selected An alternate email address, enter an email address (not your Outlook.com address).
Select Next.
Enter the code you received, then select Next.
If prompted, enter your password, then select Sign in.
In the Two-step verification section, select Set up two-step verification.
Select Next.
Select the Verify my identity with dropdown arrow and choose either An app, A phone number, or An alternate email address.
The rest of the two-step verification process depends on which method you chose in step 13. See the corresponding sections below for instructions for each of these three methods.

To verify your identity with the Microsoft Authenticator app:

Select Get it now.
In the Microsoft Authenticator web page, select your country, enter the phone number for your smartphone, and select Send Link.
When you receive the link on your smartphone, install the app, then sign in to the app.
Tap the plus sign (+) to add your account. Choose either your Personal account, Work or school account, or Other account (Google, Facebook, etc.).
Sign in with your Outlook.com username and password.

If prompted, enter the code which was sent in an email or text message.
Go back to Outlook.com, then select Next.
Select Finish.
Two-step verification is enabled for your Outlook.com email.

To verify your identity with a phone number:

Enter your phone number and select either Text or Call.
After you receive the code on your phone, enter the code, then select Next.
You'll receive a confirmation with a recovery code. Print or save this code, then select Next.
Select Next. Or, choose to sync your Outlook.com email on your Android, iPhone, or Blackberry phone.
Select Finish.

To verify your identity with an alternate email address:

Select Next.
After you receive the code in an email from Microsoft, enter the code, then select Next.
You'll receive a confirmation with a recovery code. Print or save this code, then select Next.
Select Next. Or, choose to sync your Outlook.com email on your Android, iPhone, or Blackberry phone.
Select Finish.