TABLE OF CONTENTS


Introduction

Your Microsoft 365 (M365) credentials are used to log into a variety of applications including Microsoft Office, Epic and Applied Analytics.   This article will explain how to sin into your account to access the Microsoft Office Productivity Suite.


Microsoft 365 credentials utilize Multifactor Authentication which allows an added layer of security.  There are many methods of authentication including text message, phone, email, etc, however, the method we strongly recommend using is Microsoft Authenticator.  


You can choose to have Multifactor Authentication appear every 90 days and/or to keep you signed in.  Note that some applications  (ie. Epic) will still require you to log in with Multifactor Authentication (MFA) every time you open the application regardless of whether or not you request only to be prompted for authentication every 90 days or to stay logged in.  This is by design by the application vendor but may be enhanced in the future to respect preferences.


How to Sign Into Your Microsoft 365 Account

  1. Go to www.office.com and click Sign In or Login.
  2. Enter your email address and click Next.  Enter your password and click Sign In.
  3. If this is your first time logging in, you may be prompted to change your password.  Enter the current password and then enter a new password twice.  Click Next. 
    1. Choose a Verification Method.  The Verification Method selected will be how you will be prompted for Multifactor Authentication.  There are several options however, the one we recommend using is Microsoft Authenticator which is the most secure method and is the easiest to verify.

      ** If you do not wish to use the Authenticator, then click the I want to set up a different method link in bottom left.


    2. Follow the prompts to complete setting up your default authentication method.  You can add an additional/back up authentication method if you'd like (ie. email or text).
      To install the app for the first time, choose the Download Now link. It will take you to a page with QR codes.


    3. Scroll down to the QR codes and use them to install the App on your phone.


    4. Click Next when you have finished adding in all of the authentication methods you wish to add.
  4. If prompted for authentication, complete the authentication process.  This process will be different depending on the method you have entered as your default.
  5. You can choose to Stay Signed In unless you plan on logging into other Microsoft Accounts often.
  6. At this stage, you should now be signed into your Microsoft 365 account successfully.


Note:  Some applications that use your Microsoft 365 credentials may not allow you to successfully choose to Stay Signed In or for Multifactor Authentication to be prompted every 90 days.  This is intentional and by design however, most applications will respect your preferences.