Multifactor Authentication: Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator
Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator
Starting on October 19th, 2026, the University of Illinois is moving from DUO to Microsoft Authenticator as its standard login authentication process. This is to better align with the University's "password-less strategy." Please refer to the resources below to set up Microsoft Authenticator.
Important Note: AITS has not moved to Microsoft Authenticator yet, you may still need DUO to log in to some UIUC resources/webpages.
Downloading the Microsoft Authenticator Application
Microsoft Authenticator Setup
- To begin, download the Microsoft Authenticator application on your IOS or Android mobile device.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions listed on the Office of the CIO's web page.
- Upon completion, you are all done and ready to use Microsoft Authenticator whenever you login with your university credentials!
Alternative Authentication Options
If you would prefer an authentication option outside of using the Microsoft Authenticaor mobile app, there are other options available to you. These include creating a passkey on your device or utilizing a physical hardware token instead.
Passkeys
Passkey Setup
For creating a passkey, your options include creating a Microsoft specific authentication passkey or syncing your authentication to an already existing passkey. linked below are instructions depending on which kind of passkey you are looking to use :
- Microsoft Authenticator Passkey Setup: Multifactor Authentication (MFA), Setup Passkeys with Microsoft Authenticator
- Passkey Instruction: Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), Syncable Passkeys Set-up
Hardware Tokens
Hardware Token Purchase and Setup
Some physical hardware tokens are also compatible with Microsoft Authenticator. If you already own a hardware token, please refer to this list of compatible hardware tokens to ensure that yours works with Microsoft Authenticator.
The university recommends using the Yubico Security Key 5 NFC (USB-C), which is available through the following:
- Students can purchase a Yubikey through the University Webstore.
- Faculty/Staff can request a Yubikey through the iSchool Help Desk by emailing ischool-support@illinois.edu
Once you have your security key, you can follow these step-by-step instructions listed on the Office of the CIO's web page.
Troubleshooting
Note: The Safari browser does not support adding a physical security key. If you are using a Mac device, you will need to use a different browser.
It is possible that when you are setting up a Yubikey or equivalent hardware token using the instructions above, you are prompted with setting up a passkey instead. If this occurs, please follow the steps below to set up your token:
- Open your preferred browser and go to the Microsoft Authenticator Security Info Page.
- Select "Add sign-in method"
- Choose "Passkey" and then select "Other options"
If you are using a Windows Device:
- You will be prompted to save your passkey, select "Change"
- It will then ask where you want to save your new passkey, select "Security key"
- Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Yubikey/security key
If you are using a Mac Device:
- Select "Next"
- You will be prompted to save your passkey, select "Save another way"
- It will then ask where you want to save your new passkey, select "Phone, Tablet, or Security key"
- Insert your security key into the device
- Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Yubikey/security key