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 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
A person using a smartphone with a cybersecurity lock symbol appearing over it.
Pro The growing threat of device code phishing and how to defend against It
Isometric demonstrating multi-factor authentication using a mobile device.
Security NCSC gets influencers to sing the praises of 2FA
1Password for families landing page
Pro Protect your family's password security with this 1Password Family Plan offer
  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 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
A person using a smartphone with a cybersecurity lock symbol appearing over it.
The growing threat of device code phishing and how to defend against It
Isometric demonstrating multi-factor authentication using a mobile device.
NCSC gets influencers to sing the praises of 2FA
Latest in Pro
Yxk S15
This $120 mini PC has a unique feature Apple’s Mac Mini M4 simply can’t match - and yes, its part of Amazon’s unofficial early Prime Day sales
screenshot of ojawilliams.com website
Bye, bye Wix. After 5 years, I’m moving my website to this hosting provider - here is why
TechRadar Deals Standing desks
Amazon cuts up to 35% off standing desks in early Prime Day sale - here are 11 deals worth grabbing ASAP
Mobile Security
Mobile banking users beware - "Godfather" malware is now hijacking official bank apps
A web page and an eye on a blue background with blue dots
Pageview promises: How many visitors can your web hosting plan really handle?
Best cheap game server hosts appeals to Minecraft users
Minecraft players watch out - these fake mods are hiding password-stealing malware
Latest in News
Ty Burrell and Julie Brown in a scene from Modern Family
This family sitcom with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes is consistently among the most-watched shows on Disney+ and I know why
Angry PC gamer sitting at a gaming desktop PC and losing
Steam's new in-game overlay offers some useful upgrades - and I'm particularly happy about one that exposes a controversial AI trick
Woman holding phone in field with Spotify app onscreen
'The best way to listen in Lossless is Spotify Connect': Spotify's hi-fi tier may have leaked again in the app's code – it looks like 24-bit lossless is finally coming
A still from Netflix's new miniseries Adolescence starring Stephen Graham
3 tear-jerking TV shows on Netflix, Disney+ and Max that have made me cry so far in 2025
Sam Altman podcast appearance.
‘My kids will never be smarter than AI’: Sam Altman’s advice on how to use ChatGPT as a parent leaves me shaking my head
A close up of the Nintendo Switch 2 console on a stand
Here's how to easily fix your broken Nintendo Switch 2 battery indicator
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    I love my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, but I desperately hope these 4 Z Fold 7 rumors are true
  2. 2
    I’ve tested 13 coffee makers over the last year, but this Gaggia machine is still my all-time favorite
  3. 3
    Business email is more powerful than ever despite the rise of AI, instant messaging, and other tools - but I'm not surprised
  4. 4
    Forget Nintendo Switch 2 – here are 5 reasons why the PlayStation Portal is a better buy from a gaming hardware expert (me)
  5. 5
    These are the best audio apps for Android (that aren't Spotify)

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...