How to change the Microsoft verification method

In the field of digitalization and the internet, security is a constant concern. You should never let your guard down. That is why Microsoft introduced the so-called “two-step verification”, also known as "multi-factor authentication". In this post we are going to analyze what it consists of and we will also see how to change Microsoft verification method, which is a fundamental part of this system.

The primary objective is always the same: to increase our level of protection, making it as difficult as possible for someone to log into our Microsoft account without authorization. And in this sense, the identity verification, correct and reliable, is an essential aspect.

The basic tool designed by Microsoft to achieve this goal is Microsoft Authenticator, which is already integrated into the browser as standard Edge, although it also has an extension for Chrome and, in addition, separate applications for iOS y Android.

In addition to this tool, two-step authentication can also be set up using other “classic” verification methods via phone and SMS.

The importance of identity verification

As we pointed out at the beginning of the post, Identity verification is undoubtedly the most important step in the authentication process. Without it, everything else will not be of much use to us.

There are several ways to carry out this action. These are all the options we have:

• Text messages (SMS): Authentication using two-factor verification and password reset.
• Phone call: Authentication using two-factor verification and password reset.
• Security Pin – Authenticator: Authentication using two-factor verification and password reset.
• Email account: Password reset authentication only.
• Security questions: Password reset authentication only.

Of this list, only the first three options offer two-factor verification protection, which is the most recommended. It is on them that we are going to focus. Choosing one or the other option depends a lot on the needs and preferences of each user.

Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft AuthenticatorIn addition to being a system of two-step verification, has evolved and currently offers more services such as password management, which we will talk about another time. What we find today is a very versatile tool for people who have a Microsoft account. Plus, it's free.

Within this two-step system, the second consists of enter a random key that the user can receive through different channels (for example, via SMS). How does it work? Every time the user goes to log in, it is necessary to enter the key number that they will receive, in order to verify their identity.

It is the user themselves who decides which applications they want to link to Microsoft Authenticator. To do so, you simply have to follow these steps:

1. Access app settings menu that we want to link or obtain the unit’s QR code.
2. Then you have to open the Authenticator app, click on the three dots icon and select the option «Add account».
3. On the new screen, the mobile camera to scan the QR code.
4. Finally, we have to enter the security code that Authenticator has previously sent to us.

Important: Activating two-step verification always requires two forms of identification. This It can be a problem if we forget the password or lose our contact method.. When this happens, it can take up to 30 days to regain access to the account.

How to change Microsoft verification method: phone call or SMS

It is true that Authenticator is a more than proven reliability method, the one chosen by the majority of many users. However, there are still many who prefer to use the traditional method of verification through a code that they receive by SMS or a phone call. The configuration for this method is as follows:

1. Firstly, we started session in our Microsoft account.
2. Then we access the section "My account".
3. In the left menu, we select "Safety information".
4. There we choose the option «Add method». There we find the telephone option, which we can use through a call or an SMS.

Change the Microsoft verification method

Now that we know all the methods, we want to move from the verification system by call or SMS to the one offered by Authenticator, or vice versa. How to change the Microsoft verification method? This is what we should do:

1. To start, let's go to the page "Safety information".
2. There we select "Change", button that appears next to the default login method.
3. Finally, we select the desired option and click on "Confirm".

In conclusion, we must remember that today two-step verification is the safest formula we can resort to. Changing Microsoft's verification method may be uncomfortable for some people, but the inconvenience it may cause is more than justified.