What is it?
The Microsoft authenticator system allows users to reset their password or unlock their account without contacting the IT helpdesk. It also functions as a two-factor authentication system, adding an extra layer of security. You MUST set up Multi-Factor Authentication to use the password reset/unlock account tool.
Who Can Use It?
Anyone with a Montana Tech account.
Table of Contents
Link to Reset Password or Unlock Account
Reset Password or Unlock Account
Setup Using a Phone Number (Cell)
This section covers setting up two-factor authentication using your phone number.
Step 1: When you try to sign in to your email for the first time, you will be prompted to set up Multi-Factor Authentication. Click the I want to set up a different method button, then choose to set up your phone number.
![Setup prompt for Multi-Factor Authentication with phone option](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=241ff55b-e054-4391-bc9a-68ea15fa4c59.png&beidInt=347)
Step 2: Select Phone from the dropdown menu, then click Confirm.
![Dropdown menu showing 'Phone' option selected for authentication](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=f8be85df-ac62-4278-b4bd-9560c9f05ce5.png&beidInt=347)
Step 3: Enter the phone number and select either a text message or a phone call to receive a verification code. For a phone call, you will receive a call from Microsoft and be asked to press the pound key (#) to confirm.
![Screen for entering phone number for Multi-Factor Authentication](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=08039892-ab39-4c0e-9b53-ba84190bfdb5.png&beidInt=347)
Step 4: Answer the call from Microsoft and press the pound key (#) to verify your identity.
![Verification call confirmation with pound key prompt](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=048d71f6-a9af-4a19-9a39-9eb040d03f7c.png&beidInt=347)
![Microsoft Authenticator on mobile device showing verification](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=d0c7a478-6ac7-4143-b549-86bfbc724104.jpg&beidInt=347)
Step 5: Your phone number is now 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 access your account even if you don't have your primary device.
Step 1: On the initial setup page, click I want to set up a different method and choose Email.
![Setup prompt for Multi-Factor Authentication with email option](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=6e2cc454-f7b0-4908-ba3f-dad99d83598d.png&beidInt=347)
Step 2: Select Email from the dropdown.
![Dropdown menu showing 'Email' option selected for authentication](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=6130203d-a9ac-4c9d-b224-408743f9e275.png&beidInt=347)
Step 3: Enter a non-Montana Tech email address for verification.
![Screen to enter secondary email for Multi-Factor Authentication](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=16ba7669-ef77-41da-b570-3d73c03682ea.png&beidInt=347)
Step 4: Check your email for a verification code, which may be in your spam folder, and enter it on the webpage.
![Verification code sent to email inbox](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=d1f30d13-f61b-4435-80bd-d2d5d311ab6c.jpg&beidInt=347)
![Screen to enter email verification code](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=fde00fea-1913-4968-b685-240487f7cd78.png&beidInt=347)
Step 5: Upon entering the code, your secondary email setup is complete.
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Setup Using Security Questions
This section covers adding security questions as an additional identity verification method.
Step 1: Click I want to set up a different method on the initial setup page, then choose Security Questions.
![Setup prompt for security questions](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=fadb196d-8a67-4444-9c4d-29e3aa984b37.png&beidInt=347)
Step 2: Select Security Questions from the dropdown.
![Dropdown menu showing 'Security Questions' option](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=f1043f8a-8580-47a7-b8b7-902c7a4bcfdc.png&beidInt=347)
Step 3: Create five security questions and answers, ensuring they are easy to remember and specific.
![Screen to set up security questions](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=3bec9755-722c-4184-b9b8-b0e00229f7ce.png&beidInt=347)
Step 4: Microsoft will confirm that your security questions have been added.
![Confirmation screen for security questions setup](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=33aaef43-d431-4650-a422-ab7ff4ba0ebd.png&beidInt=347)
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Password Reset
If you need a password reset, go to the Microsoft account login and click Forgot my password, or use the links in the Montana knowledge base article.
![Forgot password option in Microsoft account login](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=78080c66-a468-4944-a082-2caf51563c89.png&beidInt=347)
Next fill out the captcha and click "Next"
![](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=da90dc5f-54b0-4fb7-a65d-0f64ad673c5a.png&beidInt=347)
Then click "I forgot my password" and "Next" *Note "I know my password, but still can't sign in" only works if you have a temporary account lock*
![](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=6a4b94e1-7e01-488a-b2f0-726eeae3d015.png&beidInt=347)
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Unlock Your Account
If you need to unlock your account, follow the instructions on the Microsoft login page. Click Forgot my password if needed, and solve the CAPTCHA.
![Account unlock prompt on Microsoft login page](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=b48f7863-7513-4c77-81e9-cf453cee6dec.png&beidInt=347)
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Add/Remove or Update MFA Methods
To update MFA methods, sign in to your Montana Tech email and go to View Account, then select Update Info.
![View account menu in Montana Tech email](https://mtech.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=b040e8b4-efde-4a6c-8a52-198e071ad9e1.png&beidInt=347)
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FAQs
- What if I need my password reset but didn’t set up Multi-Factor Authentication? Contact the IT Help Desk at (406)-496-4244 or submit a ticket.
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