Disable two step verification

[DavidPark]

I use a PC at my home in Canada, with Hotmail for my usual email address. We would like to access our email when we are outside Canada or even away from home in Canada, usually at hotel or library PCs. Since Hotmail (and other email providers) updated their security procedures, we keep getting asked for two step verification when away from home, but do not own a cell phone to receive a verification code. In the case that only one of us is travelling, it`s quite possible for two legitimate login attempts to be made half a world apart in quick succession, or even simultaneously.

I have searched for help on the internet, but much of the information relates to Windows 8 and later updates, or phone apps. There is also a suggestion that if we turn off two step verification when we are at home, we may be asked for two step verification from time to time anyway.

We used to be able to log in to hotmail anywhere in the world and just supply our password, so this is extremely frustrating. I know security is trying to help, but in this case the cure is causing a problem.

So, if I could sum up my question , it would be : how do I disable two step verification for Windows 7 and Hotmail, so that I can ensure I will not require two step verification while I am away from home.

Hope someone has a fix. I doubt we are the only sufferers.

 

[Brink]

Hello David, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You could use OPTION TWO in the tutorial below to turn off two step verification for your Microsoft account.

Microsoft Account Two-step Verification - Turn On or Off - Windows 10 Forums

 

[DavidPark]

Hello Brink, and thanks for getting back.

I tried option 2, but it doesn't work! When I access my security info , I just get the option to "set up two step verification". However, to access that security info, I need to have a security code sent to my alternate email account. If I try ticking the box "I log in often on this device, don't ask for a code", I still need to get the code next time I try to access the info.

Is this because the trusted device option doesn't work with Windows 7? I am at a loss.

 

[Brink]

Correct, it would need to be a Windows 8.1 or 10 PC to add as a trusted device.

However, if you turn off two step verification, you should be able to sign in to your Microsoft account online in Windows 7 without having to verify.

It may take a little time for the change to sync.

 

[DavidPark]

I have tried again, but still need to get a security code to access my security info, and the option for two step verification is just to "set it up", even though I just needed to use it, or thought I did.

Maybe I misunderstand what the two step process is needed for. Should I now be able to log in to my hotmail from a remote location without the two step verification, and only use it to change security information? I only got into this because I wanted my wife to be able to log in from europe on a strange computer without access to the alternate email address.

 

[Brink]

Two step is turned off when you see "Set it up" option.

It seems that Microsoft requires verification for security settings now. You might set your wife up with another secondary email address that can be used to verify with.

 

[DavidPark]

I got into the same endless loop when we had the problem last year. If I set up the email account from Canada, she will need to access the other email account from europe, which will need another verification code to be sent to another email account........

I had hoped that the software had been improved to obviate the concern, but it looks like I need a working phone for every country visited, or do without email when on holidays. Ironic that the system worked fine til it was improved last year.

Thanks for your help.

 

[GokAy]

I wonder if she can get access using ZenMate (free) and VPN to USA. There is also Canada VPN but it is for premium accounts. It is only browser based for free accounts.

https://zenmate.com/

 

[DavidPark]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

DP