How-To · Microsoft 365 & Outlook
Your first day with Microsoft 365
A short first-day guide for new employees to sign in to Microsoft 365, set up Microsoft Authenticator, choose a strong password and find your apps.
Welcome! This takes about 10 minutes. You’ll need your work email address, the temporary password from IT, your work computer, and your phone.
1. Sign in
- On your work computer, go to portal.office.com.
- Enter your work email, select Next, then enter your temporary password.
- If you’re asked to update your password, create your new one now (see step 3 for tips).
- When you see More information required, select Next and keep this page open.
2. Set up Microsoft Authenticator
- On your phone, install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play. Allow notifications when asked.
- On your computer, select Next until you see a QR code.
- In the app, tap the plus sign (+), then Work or school account, then Scan a QR code.
- Scan the code on your screen, then select Next on your computer.
- Type the number shown on your computer into the app, tap Yes, then select Done.
Good to know: Camera won’t scan? Select Can’t scan image? on your computer and enter the code manually in the app. And only approve sign-ins you started. If you get a request you didn’t expect, deny it and call IT.
3. Pick a strong password
If you weren’t asked to change your temporary password in step 1, change it now at mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info: next to Password, select Change.
A strong password is:
- At least 14 characters. Stringing a few random words together makes it long and easy to remember.
- A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters like ! @ # $ %.
- Used only for work, and never shared. IT will never ask you for it.
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| Summer2026! | Copper!Lantern7Rides#Tuesday |
| CompanyName1 | Maple$Tractor9Drinks@Lemons |
Make up your own. Don’t use these examples.
Your apps
Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are usually already installed on your work computer. Open them from the Start menu (or the Dock on a Mac) and sign in with your work email.
Every app also works in a web browser. Go to portal.office.com, select Apps, and pick one. It’s handy when you just need to check something quickly.
| App | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Outlook | Email and calendar |
| Teams | Chat, calls and meetings |
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Documents, spreadsheets and presentations |
| OneDrive | Your own work files |
| SharePoint | Shared team files |
Getting a new phone later? Follow How to move Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone before you trade in the old one.
Matter of Technology clients: call (844) 628-8371 if you lose or replace your phone, or get a sign-in request you didn’t start.