setting up Microsoft Authenticator

Lok yee 0 Reputation points
2026-08-04T06:19:50.22+00:00

starts setting up Microsoft Authenticator in my windows 11 laptop in my microsoft account, have download the app in my phone, but hasn't scanned the qr code, i closed the Authenticator page in my firefox browser, but hasn't cancelled the setup nor go for it, so the account is left in a “You haven’t finished yet” state. Have tried to copy and paste the link https://aka.ms/authappsetup to cancel the setup. It always redirect me to https://www.bing.com/?ref=aka&shorturl=authappsetup, please help

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-04T06:20:08.71+00:00

    If the account is stuck at “You haven’t finished yet”, complete the setup by adding the account directly in Microsoft Authenticator instead of trying to restart from the browser shortcut.

    1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on the phone.
    2. Select + Add account.
    3. Choose the account type.
    4. Select Sign in with Microsoft and enter the username and password.
    5. Choose the verification method and enter the verification code to finish adding the account in the app.
    6. Then go to Add a new way to sign in or verify and select Use an app.
    7. Select Get it now, close the new window if it opens, then select Next and Finish.

    If setup is being done for a work or school account, the normal wizard flow is:

    • On the computer, stay on the Set up your account page.
    • In the Authenticator app, select Add account > Work or school account.
    • Scan the QR code, or select Can’t scan the QR image and enter the code and URL manually.
    • Approve the test notification to complete setup.

    If the QR code step is no longer available or the browser page was closed, adding the account directly in the app is the supported path for the “You haven’t finished yet” state.

    If authentication still does not complete after adding the account, check these items on the phone:

    • Make sure Authenticator is unlocked.
    • Make sure notifications are enabled.
    • Update to the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator.
    • Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
    • Verify the phone’s date and time are correct.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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