How to switch to Microsoft Authenticator from SMS or another authentication method

Some services, such as Remote Desktop, only support Microsoft Authenticator for two-factor authentication. To use these services, you must set up Microsoft Authenticator as a sign-in method instead of your previously chosen method.

Here's how to do it:

1. Begin the setup by going to https://aka.ms/mfasetup, which will take you to My Sign-Ins and Security Info.
    
2. Click Add sign-in method.
3. From the Add a method menu, select Authenticator app. Then click Add.
   
   
4. Download Microsoft Authenticator on your phone. You can find links to the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android by clicking Download now.
5. Once you've downloaded the app, click Next.
6. Go to Microsoft Authenticator on your phone and tap the plus sign on the top right.
   
   
7. Select Work or school account, then click Scan QR code. If necessary, allow Microsoft Authenticator to access your phone's camera by clicking OK.
   
   
8. On your computer, click Next in the setup to show the QR code for Microsoft Authenticator
   
   
9. Scan the QR code with your phone's camera using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   
10. On your computer, click Next in the setup wizard.
11. Your computer browser will now prompt you to test the setup.
    
    
12. On your phone, you’ll receive a notification from Microsoft Authenticator. You confirm the notification by clicking Approve in the app.
13. Click Next in your computer browser to finish the setup.
14. Back in Security Info, click on the Change link for Default login method, and choose Microsoft Authenticator - notification from the menu.
    
    
15. Finally, click Confirm. You have now set up two-factor authentication with Microsoft Authenticator.