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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup Guide

PCTVS now requires all faculty and staff to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure their district accounts. To follow along with this guide, please open this page on a desktop or laptop device and have your smartphone on hand.

I Don't Have a Smartphone!

Setting up MFA for your district account requires users have a smartphone with an active telephone number. If you do not have a smartphone, are unable to install apps on your phone, or are otherwise unable to use your phone, you must request a hardware token from the Technology Department. Please submit a ticket under: Other > Request Hardware > Request MFA token.

You will need to register two sign-in methods to secure your account: Microsoft Authenticator and phone number. Once your sign-in methods are set up, it may take up to 24 hours for multi-factor authentication to take effect.

You must follow all steps in this guide—for both Microsoft Authenticator and phone number—to successfully set up MFA.


Microsoft Authenticator

Start by clicking here to navigate to the Microsoft Security Info page. If you are not logged in to Office 365 with your district account, you will need to log in to reach the page.


Screenshot of Microsoft security info page displaying the 'add sign in method' button. No methods are currently set up.

On the Security Info page, click Add sign-in method.


Screenshot of the 'add a method' prompt on the Microsoft security info page. Authenticator app is currently selected.

Select Authenticator app from the dropdown menu and click Add.


Screenshot of a prompt on the Microsoft security info page instructing users to download the Microsoft Authenticator app.

On your smartphone, open the app store and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. On iPhone, this will be the App Store; on Android, this will be Google Play.

I Already Have Microsoft Authenticator Installed!

Great! To add a new account, open the Microsoft Authenticator app and click Add account or the + sign in the top right, then click Work or School account, and click Scan QR code.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app asking users for permission to collect basic diagnostics data.

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone and tap Agree.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app asking users to secure their accounts with multi-factor authentication by either signing in with Microsoft, adding a work or school account, or scanning a QR code.

Tap Scan a QR code.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app prompting a question asking if the 'Authenticator app' can access the camera needed to scan a QR code.

Tap OK.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator app showing the camera to scan a QR code. At the bottom it also gives the ability to enter the code manually.
Screenshot of a prompt on the Microsoft security info page instructing users to download the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Return to your desktop/laptop. Click Next.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator informing the user that setting up the app will start. Also informs users that if prompted, allow notifications. Then add an account and select 'Work or School'.

Click Next.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator asking users to scan the QR code shown with the Microsoft Authenticator app. Scanning the code will connect the Microsoft Authenticator app with the user's account and then select 'Next' when done. Below the QR code there is a button when users can't scan the QR code.

You should now see a QR code. (The QR code in the image is blurred.) Use your smartphone to scan the QR code with the Microsoft Authenticator app.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator asking the user to approve the notification that is being sent to the app.

Microsoft will take a moment to register your device. On your smartphone, tap Approve once prompted.


Screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator informing the user that the notification has been approved.

On your desktop/laptop, click Next to complete the setup for Windows Authenticator.


Phone Number

On the Microsoft Security Info page, click Add sign-in method.


Screenshot of Microsoft Security Info Page asking the user which sign in method they wish to have.

Select Phone from the dropdown menu and click Add.


Screenshot of Microsoft Security Info Page asking for the user's phone number and to select the option to text the user a code to confirm that its the correct phone number.

Enter your phone number and click Next.


Screenshot of Microsoft Security Info Page prompting the user with text field to input the six-digit code that was texted to their phone.

On your smartphone, you should receive a text message with a verification code. Type the code in the window on your desktop/laptop and click Next.


Screenshot of Microsoft Security Info Page confirming that the SMS code was verified and the user's phone is now registered successfully.

Click Done to complete the setup.