Yubikey setup for Microsoft MFA

An alternative to Microsoft Authenticator

Sometimes it makes more sense to use a hardware USB key for multifactor authentication. Here are the instructions for configuring that:

1. Sign into your Microsoft Account page https://account.microsoft.com/account

2. Select Security info on the left

3. Select Add sign-in method

4. Select Security key

5. Click USB device

6. Click Next

7. Plug in your security key to the USB port on your computer.

8. If required, you will be prompted to configure a PIN for the security key. Create a number PIN that you can remember.

9. Put your finger on the gold disc on the Yubikey.

Your account is now protected with secure Multi-factor authentication

More information can be found here: https://www.yubico.com/works-with-yubikey/catalog/microsoft-accounts/ and here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/sign-in-to-your-account-with-a-security-key-b23a2a45-6ab8-4c86-9f22-bcadf60235aa Instructions are valid and checked as of October 17, 2025.