Microsoft Update Affecting Duo Login Experience

Microsoft has announced a mandatory security update that will go live the evening of Sept. 12, 2025. The update affects how you log in to applications that use UNCW’s single sign-on (SSO) by adding one extra step before you reach the Duo Universal Prompt. This required change improves security and complies with new two-factor authentication standards.

What's Changing

On the evening of Sept. 12, a new step will be added to the login process for UNCW’s single sign-on. A Microsoft prompt will appear, and you will need to click "Approve with Cisco Duo" before proceeding to the Duo Universal Prompt as usual.

What to Expect:

1. A Microsoft prompt (shown above) will appear when you log in to applications that use single sign-on, including Microsoft 365 applications and services, certain third-party apps and custom UNCW apps.
2. Select the first option, "Approve with Cisco Duo," to continue.
3. After clicking, you will see the familiar Duo Universal Prompt to complete authentication as usual.
   
   

What's Staying the Same

Your Duo settings and setup will not be affected by this update. Additionally, this change does not affect how you log in to certain internal applications, such as the UNCW VPN, Remote Desktop, High-Performance Computing (HPC) and applications not using SSO. Everything else about your login process, including your preferred Duo methods, will remain the same.

Action You May Need to Take

After the update, you may be prompted to sign back in to applications that use single sign-on, such as Teams, Outlook, DocuSign, Horizon, etc.

Helpful Tip

If you have registered SMS or phone call options for password reset, they may appear as authentication choices. However, Duo remains the most secure method, and we recommend using it whenever possible.

Need help setting up Duo Mobile? Check out our step-by-step knowledge base article, How do I Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Duo Mobile on my UNCW Account?