Access to shared folder

Question

I have been trying to access a shared folder from my research advisor that I have already been granted permission for. I have used this in the past, but now it says I need my Authenticator app to enter a number. However, I never receive a number on my Authenticator app even if I refresh the page.

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Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For education | Windows

Answer 1

Dear @Melissa Stowe,

Good day. Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum!

First of all, I want to begin by sincerely apologizing for the frustration and inconvenience this issue has caused you.

Based on your description, I understand that you are having issue with the Authenticator app. For better assist, please kindly let me know:

1. Could you please confirm whether you are still able to authenticate and access other applications, or if access is unavailable across all services?
2. If possible, please take a screenshot of the issue you're experiencing so I can better assist you. 

If you are prompted to enter a verification code from the Microsoft Authenticator app when accessing a shared folder that you previously had access to, this behavior may be due to your school’s IT administrator enabling additional authentication requirements.

In this case, I would recommend you contact your IT Admin to reset your MFA settings through the Microsoft Entra Admin Center. Ask your administrator to follow these steps:   

1. Sign in to the entra.microsoft.com as at least one Authentication Administrator. 
2. Select User > All user.  Select the user (your account) to act on and select Authentication methods then select Require re-register of multi-factor authentication.  

Require re-register MFA: This disables all previous authentication methods. You'll then be prompted to configure a new MFA authentication method the next time you try to sign in, so you can set up from the start and add a new authenticator app.  

For step-by-step details, see the official Microsoft documentation: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multi-factor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID | Microsoft Learn    

If you’re unsure who the Global Admin is within your school account's organization, you can find guidance on locating them here: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support  

Note: Once re-registration is triggered, all your existing MFA methods such as phone numbers, Authenticator app, or other verification options will be removed. You will need to set up new MFA methods during your next login. Please ensure you have access to a valid phone number or the Microsoft Authenticator app before attempting to sign in again. 

I appreciate your patience, and I am here to help. Looking forward to your response!

Your understanding and co-operation are highly appreciated. Thanks for your precious time. Have a nice day!

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Answer 2

If you are having trouble receiving the authentication number on your Authenticator app, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check Your Phone Settings: Ensure that notifications for the Authenticator app are enabled on your phone. Sometimes, notifications can be blocked or muted.
2. Refresh the App: Open the Authenticator app and refresh it to see if the notification appears. You can also try closing and reopening the app.
3. Alternative Verification Methods: If you have multiple verification methods set up, try using a different method to authenticate. This could include receiving a phone call or a text message if those options are available.
4. Contact Admins: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your research advisor or the IT department for assistance. They may need to reset your MFA settings or provide you with alternative access methods.
5. Check for App Updates: Make sure that your Authenticator app is updated to the latest version, as updates can fix bugs and improve performance.

If you continue to experience issues, you may need to open a support case to troubleshoot further, as sometimes delivery of verification messages can be affected by various factors such as network issues or third-party security apps blocking notifications.

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References:

• Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app