Two-factor authentication without a phone

If you have no phone to install an app on, you can run the code generator on the computer itself.

• Approx. 10 min
• Windows

1. Install WinOTP

   Install WinOTP Authenticator from the Microsoft Store.

2. Open your security info

   Go to myaccount.microsoft.com, sign in, and click Update info under Security info.

3. Add a method

   Click + Add method, choose Authenticator app, and click Next until the QR code appears.

4. Copy the key instead of scanning

   Click "Can't scan image?". A text key is shown instead — copy it.

5. Paste the key into WinOTP

   Open WinOTP, click +, fill in any service and user name, and paste the key into the code field. The one-time code now refreshes in that window.

   Note — The key is stored on this computer only. If you switch computers you must set it up again.

Updated July 2026