Skip to main content
Tech Radar
  • Tech Radar Pro
  • Tech Radar Gaming
Tech Radar Pro TechRadar the business technology experts
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
RSS
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Expert Insights
  • Website builders
  • Web hosting
  • Security
Trending
  • Best website builder
  • Best web hosting
  • Best office chairs
  • Best antivirus
  • Expert Insights
Recommended reading
A phone showing the download page for Microsoft Authenticator
Cyber Security Microsoft is phasing out passwords soon – here's why passkeys are replacing them and what to do next
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Pro Don't just lock your door: MFA alone is not enough in today's cybersecurity climate
Pink iPhone chained up
Phones Worried about phone snatchers? These 5 invaluable iPhone and Android settings will keep you safe and connected this summer
Angry man ripping out his hair in front of his laptop
Windows Warning: check your PC’s Windows 11 encryption feature to make sure your data is not at risk
Updated Microsoft login UI
Security Microsoft is making all new accounts passwordless by default
Google Chrome app is seen on an iPhone next to Edge and other web browser apps. Microsoft is using new prompts in Edge to try and stop users from downloading Chrome.
Software & Services I reviewed hundreds of apps for a living, and these are the security features that best protect your data
Visual representation of a passkey on a computer chip
Security It's about time - Microsoft finally rolls out better passkey integration in Windows
  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
A phone showing the download page for Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft is phasing out passwords soon – here's why passkeys are replacing them and what to do next
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Don't just lock your door: MFA alone is not enough in today's cybersecurity climate
Pink iPhone chained up
Worried about phone snatchers? These 5 invaluable iPhone and Android settings will keep you safe and connected this summer
Angry man ripping out his hair in front of his laptop
Warning: check your PC’s Windows 11 encryption feature to make sure your data is not at risk
Updated Microsoft login UI
Microsoft is making all new accounts passwordless by default
Google Chrome app is seen on an iPhone next to Edge and other web browser apps. Microsoft is using new prompts in Edge to try and stop users from downloading Chrome.
I reviewed hundreds of apps for a living, and these are the security features that best protect your data
Latest in Pro
woman working at a contact center
Scammers are once again abusing PDFs to trick victims into calling fake support numbers
Person with warning notification and spam message icon on mobile phone
Signal clone used by federal agencies hit in attacks targeting major flaws - CISA says patch immediately
WordPress logo on mobile
Another top WordPress plugin hacked to allow account takeover - stay safe with these tips
HPE Juniper Networks acquisition deal
HPE and Juniper confirm merger deal
digital data lock on screen
Why AV is an overlooked cybersecurity risk
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korean hackers target Mac users with devious new malware
Latest in News
Amazon deals 2023
The best early Prime Day deal? A free 6-month Amazon Prime membership for students
The radeon logo on the AMD Radeon RX 9070
Now might be the perfect time to buy an AMD RX 9070 XT, as retailer rumors suggest it's hit a low for the year
Photography of motinor screen with inscription Access denied. Cybercrime concept.
India leads the 10 countries restricting internet access in 2025
Helldivers 2
PS5 hit Helldivers 2 makes history as the first PlayStation-published game to get an Xbox release
Sigil 2
Romero Games has lost funding for its next, unannounced game, with one staffer claiming the 'whole studio' has been laid off due to Microsoft cuts
Ted Lasso season 2's cast including Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein and Cristo Fernandez
Prime Video users, rejoice! Save big on Apple TV+ and watch these 4 shows with 85% or higher Rotten Tomatoes scores using this Amazon add-on deal
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Losing my keys cost me $600; this Best Buy AirTag sale for July 4 drops the price to under $20 each
  2. 2
    British startup claims to have developed tech that can deliver 65% lossless file compression - but you'll have to pay big for it
  3. 3
    I asked AI to plan the perfect day in London – here’s what it got right and hilariously wrong
  4. 4
    You don't have to be real to score brand deals as an influencer
  5. 5
    I tested the Nebula X1, and it's one of the brightest and best portable projectors available

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

  • 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...