Login Procedure with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

This guide shows you how to sign in to your account for the first time. It also shows you how to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a second security check that proves the account is yours.  If you have already setup MFA but are logging in after 9/18/2026, follow through Step 2 and stop.

You will use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to complete this check. When you finish, you will be signed in to the portal and your account will be protected by MFA.

Contents

Procedures with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) ................................................................................ 1

Contents.................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Before you begin................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Step 1: Sign in with your email address................................................................................................................. 2

Step 2: Enter your password........................................................................................................................................ 2

Step 3: Start Multi-Factor Authentication setup............................................................................................ 3

Step 4: Install the Microsoft Authenticator app.............................................................................................. 4

Step 5: Add your account to the app..................................................................................................................... 5

Step 6: Approve the sign-in request....................................................................................................................... 6

If your login timed out........................................................................................................................................................ 8

 

Before you begin

Have these three things ready:

  • Your email address. Your email address is your username followed by @oldwestbury.edu. For example, if your username is jsmith1, your email address is jsmith1@oldwestbury.edu.
  • Your password. Use the password that was provided to you.
  • Your mobile phone. You will install the Microsoft Authenticator app on it.

 

Step 1: Sign in with your email address

  1. Open the SUNY Old Westbury portal (connect.oldwestbury.edu) in your web browser.
  2. Enter your full email address in the sign-in field.
  3. Select Next.

 

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Step 2: Enter your password

  1. Enter the password that was provided to you.
  2. Select Sign in.

 

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Step 3: Start Multi-Factor Authentication setup

After you sign in, the portal walks you through setting up MFA. Follow the instructions on each screen.

  1. Read the page titled Let's keep your account secure.
  2. Select Next.

 

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Step 4: Install the Microsoft Authenticator app

  1. On your phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app. Get it from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Return to your login screen.
  3. Select Next.

 

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Step 5: Add your account to the app

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
  2. Allow notifications if the app asks for them.
  3. Add a new account in the app.
  4. Select Work or school as the account type.
  5. Select the option to scan a QR code.
  6. On your login screen, select Next. A QR code appears.
  7. Use your phone to scan the QR code on your login screen.
  8. On your login screen, select Next.

 

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Step 6: Approve the sign-in request

Your login screen now displays a number. You type that number into the app.

  1. Find the number shown on your login screen.
  2. Enter that number in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
  3. Wait for the login screen to show Authenticator Added. This confirms that setup is complete and that Microsoft Authenticator is now your default sign-in method.
  4. Select Done.

 

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If your login timed out

Setting up MFA can take a while. If it does, your login session may time out. This is not a problem. Your Microsoft Authenticator setup is already complete.

  1. Open the SUNY Old Westbury portal (connect.oldwestbury.edu) again.
  2. Sign in with your email address and password.
  3. Approve the sign-in request in the Microsoft Authenticator app.

You will then reach the portal without any further issue.

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