Windows 10: Microsoft Authenticator problem with failed account setup

Cannot delete or fix an incorrectly created work account in Authenticator. This has also resulted in not being able to get to the QR scan function in Authenticator when crating other accounts. Authenticator currently has several correctly created accounts, passwords, and payment options setup so i would prefer not having to delete it and start fresh but have not seen any related solutions.

:)

 

Windows Microsoft account authentication

I have a valid Microsoft account and a Windows 10 PC with Hello/PIN account login enabled. I also have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on an iPhone and configured for the Microsoft account. Additionally, I have two step authentication configured
for the Microsoft account. With all of that said, I have become very exasperated while trying to unravel the various authentication paths (and their security implications) through this multi level login security scheme. I find the associated account security
documentation to be woefully inadequate. Thus, I would like to pose the following list of questions for starters.

1. Does Windows Hello/PIN amount to a two step verification login procedure for my Microsoft account?

2. Does approving a Microsoft Authenticator login attempt (without two step verification explicitly set up)

amount to a two step verification login procedure for my Microsoft account?

3. Does approving a Microsoft Authenticator login attempt (with two step verification explicitly set up)

amount to a two step verification login procedure for my Microsoft account?

4. If answers to both 2 and 3 are yes, then what does explicit set up of two step authentication do?

5. Does a coherent, comprehensive document explaining Microsoft account security configuration exist somewhere?

6. If the answer to 5 is yes, wherer is it?

Thanks in advance.

 

Microsoft Authenticator won't restore accounts

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

To better determine your problem, you can first try the following steps.

1. Ensure both devices are using the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator from the Google Play Store.
   
2. Check your Microsoft Account settings to confirm that the backup feature is indeed enabled for your Authenticator app.
   
3. Try the backup and restore process again:
   
   • On the original device (Device A), open the Microsoft Authenticator app and go to Settings > Backup.
     
   • Make sure the backup is enabled and wait for it to complete if necessary.
     
   • On the second device (Device B), install Microsoft Authenticator and sign in with the same Microsoft Account used on the first device.
     
   • During the setup process on Device B, select the option to restore from backup and follow the prompts.
     
4. If the restore still fails, try signing out of the app on both devices and then sign in again on the second device (Device B) to see if it triggers the backup restore process.
   
5. Make sure there's a stable internet connection on both devices during the backup and restore process.
   

Regarding the lack of data export options in the app, some authenticator apps don't provide this feature. To mitigate the risk of losing access to your 2FA accounts, consider the following precautions:

• When setting up new 2FA accounts, note down the QR codes or secret keys provided during setup. Store this information securely (e.g., in a password manager or encrypted file) so you can manually re-add the accounts if needed.
  
• For existing accounts, if possible, disable and re-enable 2FA temporarily to obtain the QR codes or secret keys for backup purposes.
  
• Consider using an alternative authenticator app that offers data export/import functionality, or consider using a hardware-based authenticator (like YubiKey) as a backup option.
  
  、
  

Always exercise caution when managing 2FA accounts and keep backups of critical information in a secure manner.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Microsoft Account authentication

After more research, I have found my answer. It looks like the issue was that Microsoft released a new Microsoft Authenticator app with the features first introduced in Microsoft Authenticator Beta. The new app received a prompt to approve access to my Microsoft
Account when signing on from a new PC, though I find it strange that the beta app wasn't directly upgraded to the new version of the app.

Microsoft now has three 2 step authentication apps available in the store for Windows 10 Mobile:

• Authenticator - original app from Windows Phone 8
• Microsoft Authenticator Beta - originally released to Windows 10 users when Windows 10 Mobile was only available on the Windows Insider program.
• Microsoft Authenticator - the official Windows 10 app no longer in beta