What is it?
The Microsoft authenticator system allows for users to reset their password or unlock their account without having to reach out to the IT helpdesk. It also works as a two factor authentication system, so there is another layer of security added. You MUST set up Multi-Factor Authentication in order to use the password reset/unlock account tool.
Who Can use it?
Anyone with a Montana Tech account
Table of Contents
Setup
Step 1:
Once you attempt to sign in, you should get a window that says, “More Information Required”. You are going to click Next
Step 2:
It should bring up this page. DO NOT CLICK NEXT. This will set up two factor authentication with the Microsoft app. Click “I want to use a different authenticator app” This will allow you to use DUO mobile as your two factor authentication system, not the Microsoft Authenticator.
Step 3:
If Duo is already installed, continue onto this next step. If not, refer to the DUO setup section of this article. On the web browser, click Next
Step 4:
On the DUO app, after you have selected add account, you will want to press the Use QR Code method at the top of the screen.
Step 5:
Scan the QR code on the web page with the QR code scanner through the DUO app. Once the code is scanned, click next. iPhone users will then continue to the Apple section of the article, While Android users will now continue to the Android section.
If you are using an apple device, click here.
If you are using an android device, click here.
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Apple Users
Step 1:
Once the QR code is scanned, it’s going to ask for an account name. It will auto fill this field with your email account. We suggest you keep it as that.
Step 2:
Once you put in your account name, it’ll confirm that your account is linked. Then it will ask for a password that is specific to DUO. Once the password is added, your DUO account should be linked and ready to go.
Step 3:
Once you have set up your DUO account, there should be a 6-digit code that now shows up on the accounts page. You will need to put that code into the web page, and then click Next.
Step 4:
Once the passcode is entered, your account should be set up with two factor authentication. Click Done and you can continue to sign into your account.
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Android Users
Step 1:
Once the QR code gets scanned, it is going to ask you for a username. It does not matter what the username is, so we suggest that you keep it as your Montana Tech username.
Step 2:
There is a possibility that DUO will ask for you to back up your accounts to a Google drive. We will not cover setting this up in this article, so for now we will disable the backups, and select Yes, disable.
Step 3:
The DUO app will now confirm that your account has been made, and now display a 6-digit code. You will put that code into your browser to finish the linking of your DUO account to your Microsoft account.
Step 4:
Microsoft will now confirm that the accounts have been linked, and all that needs to be done is to click next, and then you will be able to continue into your account.
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Setup using a Phone Number (Cell)
This section covers setting up the two-factor authentication using your phone number.
Step 1:
If you are setting this up for the first time, when you try and sign in to your email it will take you to a page to set up Multi-Factor Authentication. Once you are there, click the button I want to set up a different method. From there, we will set up the phone number
Step 2:
When you click the button, it will pop up with a drop down menu. Click Phone. Then Confirm.
Step 3:
Once confirmed, it will prompt you to enter the phone number you want to add. Then you can choose whether you want to have it text you a code, or call you. Both will add your phone number. These next steps are for a call. The text message version just texts a code that you put into the web page.
Step 4:
Wait for a call, once you answer it, it will say it is from Microsoft and ask you press the pound key, #, on your phone to confirm your identity.
Step 5:
Now your phone number has been added for Multi-Factor Authentication
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Setup Using a Secondary Email
This section covers setting up Multi-Factor Authentication using a secondary email, so you can still access your information without your mobile device.
Step 1:
If you are setting this up for the first time, when you try and sign in to your email it will take you to a page to set up Multi-Factor Authentication. Once you are there, click the button I want to set up a different method. From there, we will set up the email address.
Step 2:
When you press that button, a drop down menu will appear, and click Email.
Step 3:
Enter the other email that you want to use to verify this account. Do not use your mtech account.
Step 4:
A code will then be sent to the email. It may be in your junk email, or take a while to send, so be patient. You will then put that code into the webpage.
Step 5:
From there, it will send you to a confirmation page, and your email account should now be set up.
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Setup Using Security Questions
This section covers adding security questions as another way to validate your identity.
Step 1:
If you are setting this up for the first time, when you try and sign in to your email it will take you to a page to set up Multi-Factor Authentication. Once you are there, click the button I want to set up a different method. From there, we will set up the security questions.
Step 2:
From here, a drop down menu will appear. Select Security Questions.
Step 3:
Once you selected security questions. It will have you make 5 questions and answer them. Make sure the answers are easy to remember and specific.
Step 4:
Microsoft will now confirm it, and your security questions will now be added.
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Password Reset
If you need a password reset, you can either try logging into your Microsoft account and pressing the Forgot my password button or go to the Montana knowledge base article for password reset and press any of the highlighted links below. All the links will take you to the same place.
Step 2:
Clicking on the link will take you to this page. Input your username or email and solve the CAPTCHA (enter the characters in the picture in the textbox). Then click Next.
Step 3:
Once your information has been entered, it will ask you why you are having trouble signing in. This section covers the forgetting password section, so click that one and then hit Next. If you know your password and can’t sign in, go to the Unlock account section of the article.
Step 4:
The site will now ask for your verification code from the DUO mobile app you have set up. Put in your verification code and then hit Next. If this has not been set up yet, refer to the Setup section of this article.
Step 5:
Now you must enter your new password and confirm it. Then click Finish and your password should now be reset.
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Unlock Your Account
Step 1:
If you need to unlock your account, you can either try logging into your Microsoft account and pressing the Forgot my password button or go to the Montana knowledge base article for password reset and press any of the highlighted links below. They all will take you to the same place.
Step 2:
Clicking on the link will take you to this page. Input your username or email and solve the CAPTCHA (enter the characters in the picture in the textbox). Then click Next.
Step 3:
In this section, we want to select “I know my password, but still can’t sign in”. If you do not know your password, refer to the password reset section of this article. Once this is done, click Next.
Step 4:
The site will now ask for your verification code from the DUO mobile app you have set up. Put in your verification code and then hit Next. If this has not been set up yet, refer to the Setup section of this article. This should then automatically unlock your account and you can sign in like normal.
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DUO Setup (Phone)
Step 1:
Go to your App store or Google play store and download the duo Mobile. If you already have the app downloaded, you will have an open button in its place instead. (App Store on the Top Google Play Store on the Bottom)
Step 2:
Choose set up new account if you've never used Duo before.
Step 3:
Open the app and tap continue. It will then ask you to select scan QR code or another option. You want to Select Scan QR code. It will then request access to your camera. Accept the request and scan the code.
Step 4:
Once that’s done your account will now be linked. You can practice or skip onto the next step
Step 5:
You can also turn on notifications here skip and turn them on later.
Step 6:
Here you can turn the collect usage data feature on or off.
Step 7:
Press OK and return to your computer to finish the process
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FAQs
- I need my password reset but did not set up Multi-Factor Authentication?
If you need your password reset and did not set up Multi-Factor Authentication, then you will have to contact the I.T. Help Desk at (406)-496-4244 or put in a ticket here: https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1921/Portal/Requests/TicketRequests/NewForm?ID=nw-a61A9Ixg_&RequestorType=Service. That is why we recommend setting up the Multi-Factor Authentication as soon as possible, so you do not need to contact the MT I.T. Helpdesk.
- I am new to Montana Tech and I need my credentials to get started?
That's great to hear! Welcome to Montana Tech. You can get your credentials once you are fully enrolled. You will want to use our First-time lookup tool here: www.mtech.edu/app/pw/, which will give you your username and password once you get your ID number from enrollment. From there, you can set up your Multi-Factor Authentication.
- If I set up my Multi-Factor Authentication, will I have to authenticate everytime I access my email?
Nope! You do not have to authenticate every time you try to login in. You will only have to authenticate if you try to access sensitive information like your security information, or if you are trying to reset your password or unlock your account.