Welcome to Microsoft 365
- You will now be able to access your Outlook account from a web browser when you are not connected to the work network.
- A two-step process known as Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is an additional security step that helps protect your account by making it harder for other people to break in.
- The first time you log into the M365 portal, you will be prompted to set up Multi Factor Authentication.
- You only need to set up the two-step verification one time. It is a somewhat cumbersome process, but once you get through it, subsequent logins will go smoothly.
NOTE: You will not have to enter a two-step authentication if accessing Exchange Online using a browser while inside the SGN
Setting up Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
Open a web browser and go to https://outlook.office365.com/
- You will be asked for your work Email address
- You will be directed to the State of WA portal. Type in your network password and click Sign-In.
- Since this is the first time you have logged into the portal, you will be prompted to set up your account for the two-step verification.
Note: You may be asked to complete this process if you access any Microsoft hosted application for the first time after the Exchange Migration.
- The first question in the enrollment process is how you want to be contacted. Take a look at the options in the table. Use a state owned device, if possible. If not, use your personal device.
- If you select Authentication phone,
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- click on the “select your country or region” drop down and select “ United States (+1)
- Type in your phone number
- Select “Send me a copy by text message”
- Click Next
- Note: Do not select “Call me” as this is not secure
- Note: Do not select “Call me” as this is not secure
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- The next screen will ask for a verification code.
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- You should receive a text message with a code.
- Enter the code and click Verify
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- You may be taken to another screen asking for additional security. This is asking if you would like to change any information.
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- You do not need to enter any information if you are satisfied with the method of authentication.
- Click Cancel.
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Accessing Exchange Online while inside the SGN
You will be able to access your Outlook from any web browser, including a mobile device. Once you have established your two-step authentication, you will need to enter the verification code each time you log into the site.
- Open a web browser and type in: https://outlook.office365.com/
- If you are on the State Gateway Network (SGN), you will not be required to sign-in or provide a multi-factor authentication code. You will be directed to your mailbox.
- The layout is similar to your desktop Outlook. Your folders will be in the same order.
- The Online Archive is named In-Place Archive on the web version.
Accessing Exchange Online while outside the SGN
- Outside the SGN, you will be required to input your Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Open a web browser and type in: https://outlook.office365.com/
- Enter your Email address.
- Enter your password.
- Enter the verification code.
- If this screen comes up, for security reasons, please answer “No”
You may also use an app on your mobile device called (Microsoft) Authenticator. If you would like to learn how to set up the application on your phone to use for MFA, click here.