Microsoft authenticator not working.

Question

After a Win11 update, my win11 login tells me that I need to change my passcode?? So I have changed it several time since the update since it keeps telling me to change it?? This last time it will not allow me to change it and now my email or phone will not work with authentication??? I am very confused and now the authenticator will not recognize either my phone or email and will not send a code to me. So until I resolve this I am unable to access my PC! What do I need to do?

Answer 1

Based on the described behavior, the account is stuck in a loop where verification codes and Microsoft Authenticator are not working, which blocks sign-in.

Work through these steps in order:

1. Check for common verification-code issues
   • Avoid repeatedly requesting new codes; too many attempts can cause a temporary block where codes are not sent.
   • If using SMS:
     • Confirm the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
     • Make sure the SMS inbox is not full and the messaging app is working.
     • Be aware that in some regions Microsoft’s SMS services can be delayed or temporarily unavailable.
   • If using email:
     • Check the junk/spam folder for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
     • Mark @accountprotection.microsoft.com as a trusted sender.
   Reference behavior: if Microsoft detects unusual or risky activity, it may temporarily block sending verification codes. This usually clears automatically after some time.
2. Verify that the security info (phone/email) is correct When able to sign in to the account security page again, confirm the phone number and email are correct:
   • Go to the Security info page for the work or school account.
   • Select Update info.
   • Choose a method that works, or select I don't have any of these to replace security info.
3. If Microsoft Authenticator is not completing authentication If an “Authentication did not complete” or similar behavior appears when using Authenticator:
   • Ensure the Authenticator app is unlocked.
   • Turn on notifications for Authenticator and check if any silent notifications or SMS codes arrived.
   • Update Authenticator to the latest version.
   • Check that the device has a working internet connection (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data).
   • Verify the device’s date and time settings are correct.
4. If no verification method works and access is completely blocked
   • For a work/school (Microsoft Entra / Microsoft 365) account:
     • Contact the organization’s administrator and request an MFA reset. The admin can use Require re‑register multifactor authentication so new methods can be configured.
     • If the blocked account is the only admin account in the tenant, contact Microsoft Support by phone and ask to be routed to the Data Protection team to recover the admin account.
   • For a personal Microsoft account:
     • On the sign-in page, choose I don't have any of these when prompted for a code and follow the account recovery flow to update backup security info.

Until at least one verification method (SMS, email, or Authenticator) is working again, Windows 11 sign-in that relies on that Microsoft account will remain blocked. The immediate priority is to restore or reset the account’s security info through the appropriate recovery or admin-support path.

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References:

• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• I have a Micrsoft business account and I am the admin and the only user registered under this account. I can't log in because i have replaced my phone and the authenticator doesn't work. - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A
• Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A