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How to Require Both Password and Two-Step Verification on Microsoft Accounts
Question details
The user wants to ensure that a Microsoft account requires both a password and a secondary two-step verification method at every sign-in, rather than bypassing the 2FA prompt.
- Product
- Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Signing into a Microsoft account on a device where the two-step verification prompt does not appear.
- Observed behavior
- The system only requests a password or an approval without the second verification step because the device or session has been previously marked as trusted.
Ensure you have your primary Microsoft account credentials ready and retain access to your backup email or authenticator app before making changes to your security settings.
Remove Trusted Device Status in Microsoft Security Settings
Revoking the trusted status of your devices forces Microsoft to ask for both a password and a secondary verification code on your next sign-in.
When you check 'Don't ask me again on this device' during login, Microsoft marks the device as trusted. To restore the two-step verification prompt, you must clear this trusted status.
Go to the Microsoft account security dashboard (account.microsoft.com/security) and log in with your current credentials.
Click on 'Advanced security options' to view your current authentication methods and trusted devices.
Scroll down to the 'Sign out everywhere' or 'Trusted devices' section, and select the option to remove trusted devices associated with your account.
The next time you log in, ensure that you do not check the 'Keep me signed in' or 'Don't ask me again on this device' boxes.
Looking for a Secure, Free Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While you are managing your Microsoft account security, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that offers a robust set of tools for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the heavy subscription fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't I get a two-step verification prompt when signing in?
You likely checked the 'Don't ask me again on this device' option during a previous login. This marks your device as trusted and temporarily bypasses the second verification step to make signing in faster.
How do I turn on two-step verification for my Microsoft account?
Go to your Microsoft account security dashboard, select 'Advanced security options', and look for 'Two-step verification'. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up using an authenticator app, phone number, or alternate email.
Can I use an authenticator app instead of email or SMS for verification?
Yes, Microsoft supports various authentication methods. You can link the Microsoft Authenticator app or any third-party authenticator app to your account for faster and more secure two-step verification approvals.
