Skip to main content
Tech Radar Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
TechRadar TechRadar the business technology experts
SG EditionSingapore
DK EditionDanmark FI EditionSuomi NO EditionNorge SE EditionSverige UK EditionUK IT EditionItalia NL EditionNederland BE (NL) EditionBelgië (Nederlands) FR EditionFrance DE EditionDeutschland ES EditionEspaña
US EditionUS (English) CA EditionCanada MX EditionMéxico
AU EditionAustralia NZ EditionNew Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
Trending
  • Best office chairs
  • Best web hosting
  • Best website builder
  • Best antivirus
  • Expert Insights
Don't miss these
Windows 10 event header
Windows Windows 10 End of Life live: everything you need to know
World Password Day 2025
Pro I am a cybersecurity expert - here's why it's time for businesses to bolster defenses, beyond just tech
A fish hook is lying across a computer keyboard, representing a phishing attack on a computer system
Security Hackers are looking to steal Microsoft logins using some devious new tricks - here's how to stay safe
Visual representation of a passkey on a computer chip
Security Windows Entra IDs can be bypassed worryingly easily - here's what we know
Fake email body
Security Microsoft's branding power is being used by criminals to funnel victims to tech support scam centers - here's what you need to know
Futuristic biometric authentication technology concept. Man is touching a fingerprint scan with icons of secured access, data protection, network cyber security in digital interface.
Security Best Authenticator App of 2025
Passkeys on mobile illustration
Security Researchers reveal passkeys may not be as safe as we think they are - here's how to stay safe
Young woman using laptop, looking annoyed
Windows Microsoft is 'removing known mechanisms for creating a local account' from Windows 11 setup - get ready to use a Microsoft account
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
Windows How to sign up for free extended updates in Windows 10 to stay safe until October 2026
Microsoft Authenticator by Microsoft ready for download in the App Store on smartphone screen with company website in background
Security Microsoft Authenticator is deleting your passwords today - here is what to do now
Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW
iPhone 5 smart privacy features on iPhone you need to know about
A child using a computer.
Pro I am a cybersecurity expert, these are the online mistakes I made when raising my children that you should avoid
Student using a laptop while moving into new apartment
VPN Privacy & Security New laptop? Don't forget this $2 privacy essential for students
Two phones on a blue background showing the privacy settings in iOS and Android
macOS 4 iPhone security features you might not know about
Kids and AI
Pro Back-to-school online safety checklist for parents
  1. Pro

How to strengthen and secure your Windows 10 log-in

News
By EZ Bardeguez published 26 August 2015

Double authentication is key

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

Double Authentication adds a second layer of security on your computer, device or account. By adding a primary layer of security, your password, you can log into your computer normally. Double Authentication requires you to input a 6-digit code that is randomly generated after 30 seconds on an app that you install on your phone. If you forget your original password, then Google can send it to a backup email or your phone (via SMS).

So, even if someone steals your password, they would need to have a Google Authentication App to generate a random key.

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
How to set it up

How to set it up

Download the Google Authenticator app - iOS here and Android here - and download that to your mobile phone.

The next step is harder, I promise.

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
Getting Windows 10 with Double Authentication

Getting Windows 10 with Double Authentication

Once all the prerequisites are done, open settings in the taskbar and click on Accounts. Note - if you are using a local account on your computer following through with these steps will link your computer with your Microsoft account. To setup your "Microsoft Account" click here.

Click on "Manage my Microsoft Account" and Edge will open to your Microsoft Account page. Once opened, click on "Security and Privacy."

On this page, click on a link for "More security sessions," which is the third link on the left-hand column which is the third one under the "Account security" header. Log in with your Microsoft credentials.

Scroll down and under "Two-step verification" make sure you click on "activate two-step authentication."

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
Setting up the app

Setting up the app

Click on the "Set up identity verification app" and follow the steps to add Microsoft to your Google Authenticator app. Make sure the app is open and click the '+' button and choose "Scan Barcode." The app is really easy to use. You just point your phone's camera toward the screen and scan the barcode and everything is already setup for you.

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
Final step

Final step

You will have to sign into your account and it will ask you for Authentication (via the app) but that is it.

Congratulations, and welcome to a safer and more secure Windows 10.

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
TOPICS
Windows 10 Microsoft
EZ Bardeguez
Read more
World Password Day 2025
I am a cybersecurity expert - here's why it's time for businesses to bolster defenses, beyond just tech
 
 
A fish hook is lying across a computer keyboard, representing a phishing attack on a computer system
Hackers are looking to steal Microsoft logins using some devious new tricks - here's how to stay safe
 
 
Visual representation of a passkey on a computer chip
Windows Entra IDs can be bypassed worryingly easily - here's what we know
 
 
Fake email body
Microsoft's branding power is being used by criminals to funnel victims to tech support scam centers - here's what you need to know
 
 
Futuristic biometric authentication technology concept. Man is touching a fingerprint scan with icons of secured access, data protection, network cyber security in digital interface.
Best Authenticator App of 2025
 
 
Passkeys on mobile illustration
Researchers reveal passkeys may not be as safe as we think they are - here's how to stay safe
 
 
Latest in Pro
Hands on a laptop with overlaid logos representing network security
Microsoft issues emergency Windows server security patch - update now or risk attack
 
 
Ransomware
CISA warns Motex Landscope Endpoint Manager has a worrying security flaw, so patch now
 
 
Security padlock and circuit board to protect data
Why DORA matters in UK finance: compliance and the hidden infrastructure challenge
 
 
North Korea
North Korean hackers target European defense firms with dream job scam
 
 
Parents with child, learning from a laptop at home.
How to ensure your kid’s safety
 
 
Two people video conferencing with others on a screen.
Hybrid work is here - but is the infrastructure?
 
 
Latest in News
Amazon Help Me Decide
Amazon's new Help Me Decide button picks what you were going to buy anyway – just faster
 
 
The Nike Project Amplify powered shoes in a factory
Fancy an e-bike for your feet? These radical Nike robo-shoes are the world's first 'powered footwear'
 
 
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M5
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 has fixed my biggest MacBook problem, and I’m never going back
 
 
Box art for The Simpsons Game (2007)
Fortnite leaks point to a The Simpsons-themed mini-season starting in November, and I’m genuinely worried for my wallet
 
 
The LapTouch device that enables touchscreen capabilities on a MacBook.
Can’t wait for the touchscreen MacBook Pro M6? This wild, affordable accessory brings touch to your current Mac
 
 
Apple iPhone 17 Pro REVIEW
The iPhone 18 Pro could come with a big Starlink upgrade – and it sounds perfect for off-grid adventures
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Surfshark's Black Friday deals just arrived – and they're already my favorite
  2. 2
    "It’s not about security, it’s about control" – How EU governments want to encrypt their own comms, but break our private chats
  3. 3
    Amazon's new Help Me Decide button picks what you were going to buy anyway – just faster
  4. 4
    As a home theater purist, I wouldn’t get LG’s cinema-sized new micro-LED TV – here’s why a projector is a better choice
  5. 5
    Fancy an e-bike for your feet? These radical Nike robo-shoes are the world's first 'powered footwear'

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...