What's Changing
You're getting a new sign-in process for Microsoft 365. You'll use your existing work email address with a new password, plus Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for extra security.
MFA means that even if someone guesses your password, they still can't access your account without your phone. It's like having a deadbolt AND a regular lock on your door.
What Stays the Same
- Your email address - same as before
- The concept - you still sign in with email + password
- One account for everything - your Microsoft 365 sign-in works for Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and all other Microsoft apps
Your First Sign-In
Step 1: Get Your Credentials
Your IT contact will give you:
- Your email address (this doesn't change)
- A temporary password
Step 2: Sign In for the First Time
- Go to portal.office.com
- Enter your email address
- Enter your temporary password
- You'll be asked to create a new password
- Must be at least 8 characters
- Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Don't reuse a password from another account
Step 3: Set Up MFA
After setting your password, you'll be prompted to set up MFA:
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone (App Store or Google Play)
- On the computer screen, select Mobile app as your verification method
- Select Receive notifications for verification
- Click Set up and scan the QR code with the Authenticator app
- A test notification will be sent to your phone - tap Approve
- You're done!
How MFA Works Day-to-Day
After setting up MFA, here's what your sign-in looks like:
- Enter your email and password as usual
- Your phone gets a notification from Microsoft Authenticator
- Tap Approve on your phone
- You're in!
You won't be asked every single time - Microsoft remembers your device for a period so you don't have to approve repeatedly on the same computer.
MFA Methods
If you can't use the Authenticator app, there are alternatives:
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Authenticator App (recommended) | Tap "Approve" on a push notification |
| Text Message | Enter a code sent to your phone via SMS |
| Phone Call | Answer a call and press # to verify |
Troubleshooting
I forgot my password
- Go to passwordreset.microsoftonline.com or contact your IT contact
I got a new phone
- Contact your IT contact to reset your MFA registration
- Then set up the Authenticator app again on your new phone
I'm not getting the MFA notification
- Make sure you have internet connection on your phone
- Open the Authenticator app manually - the notification might be there
- Try the text message option as a backup
I accidentally denied the MFA prompt
- Just sign in again - you'll get a new prompt
Before or Just After Migration: Back Up Your Chrome Bookmarks and Passwords
After the migration, you will still be able to log into Chrome with your old Google Workspace account for a short period. During that window:
- Open Chrome and make sure you are signed in with your work Google account
- Go to Settings > You and Google > Sync and make sure Sync is turned on
- To export passwords: Settings > Autofill > Password Manager > Export passwords
- To export bookmarks: Bookmarks > Bookmark Manager > three dots > Export bookmarks
Do this as soon as possible - the access window will close once the migration period ends.
Shared and Kiosk Computers
If you use a shared computer at the front desk, reception, or service counter:
- Always sign out when you're done - click your profile picture (top right) > Sign out
- Don't check "Stay signed in" on shared computers
- MFA protects you even if you forget to sign out - nobody can approve the MFA prompt on your phone except you
- Lock the screen if you step away temporarily - press Windows + L
How "Remember This Device" Works
After MFA approval, Microsoft may not ask again on the same device for a while:
- Typical duration: 14-90 days depending on your company's IT policy
- Applies per device - your work PC, personal phone, and tablet are remembered separately
- Signing out resets it - you'll need MFA again next time you sign in
- New browser/incognito always asks for MFA
Setting Up a Backup MFA Method
Don't rely on just the Authenticator app - set up a backup in case your phone dies or you lose it:
- Go to mysignins.microsoft.com > Security info
- Click Add sign-in method
- Choose Phone and enter your mobile number
- Now if the Authenticator app isn't working, you can receive a text message code instead
If You Get an Unexpected MFA Prompt
If your phone shows an MFA approval request and you didn't just try to sign in:
- Tap Deny immediately - someone may have your password
- Change your password right away at passwordreset.microsoftonline.com
- Notify IT - they can check for unauthorized access attempts
- This is the whole point of MFA - even with your password, they can't get in without your phone
Tips for Dealership Staff
- Set up MFA right away when prompted - don't skip it or you'll be locked out
- Keep the Authenticator app on your phone - it's small and uses barely any battery
- If you get a random MFA prompt you didn't expect, tap Deny - it might be someone trying to use your password
- Use the Authenticator app's password vault or Edge's built-in password manager instead of writing passwords on paper
- Back up your Chrome bookmarks and passwords before or immediately after migration
Need Help?
- Contact your dealership IT contact first
- Email the CanadaOne IT team at helpdesk@canadaoneauto.com
- For password resets, go to passwordreset.microsoftonline.com