Articles (8)

How do I prepare for the retirement of SMS text messages and voice calls for Microsoft 365 MFA?

Microsoft will retire text message and voice call verification for Microsoft 365 multifactor authentication on February 1, 2027. Learn how to prepare by setting up Microsoft Authenticator or another supported authentication method.

How do I set up Microsoft Authenticator for the first time?

Use these instructions to set up Microsoft Authenticator when enrolling in multifactor authentication for the first time or after ITS has reset your MFA settings.

Passkey Authentication for Microsoft 365 and Other Online Services

Passkey authentication allows MFA‑enabled MinnState users to sign in to Microsoft 365 and other online services without a password. Instead, you use the Microsoft Authenticator app with a passkey to securely confirm your identity.

Passwordless Sign-in for Microsoft 365 and Other Online Services

Passwordless sign-in allows MinnState users to sign in securely without a password using Microsoft Authenticator and number matching.
This article explains how to register, sign in, verify enrollment, and resolve common issues related to passwordless sign‑in.

Sign In Using the Outlook Mobile App for MFA

Some users may be prompted to approve a sign-in request using the Microsoft Outlook mobile app instead of Microsoft Authenticator. If you see a prompt asking you to open Outlook and enter a number, you can complete the sign-in directly from the Outlook app on your mobile device.

StarID Password Requirement Changes FAQs

What are the new StarID Password Requirements after the October 1, 2026 change, and how will this affect my account?

Unexpected MFA Sign-In Prompt After Retirement of Text and Voice Authentication

Some students and employees are being prompted to use the Microsoft Authenticator app or another modern authentication method, even though they were previously using SMS/text messages or voice calls for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This behavior was not expected based on the information previously provided to campuses. Minnesota State and Microsoft are aware of the issue and are evaluating options. If you cannot sign in, ITS may need to reset your MFA settings after verifying your identity

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

This article explains what Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is, why it's important, and how it is implemented for Office 365 at Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. It outlines the affected applications and provides step-by-step guidance on available authentication methods, emphasizing the importance of setting up multiple options for secure, flexible access.