Getting Started
Logging into M365 (Web)
This guide walks you through signing in to Microsoft 365 using a web browser, which works on any device without installing anything.
Time needed
5 minutes
Platform
Microsoft 365
Guide steps
3 clear sections
Before you begin
Your Microsoft 365 work email address and password, provided by your IT team or helpdesk.
Follow along
Step-by-step guide
Open the Microsoft 365 portal
- Instruction 1: Open any web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
- Instruction 2: Go to portal.office.com in the address bar and press Enter.
- Instruction 3: You will see the Microsoft sign-in page. If you are already signed in, you will be taken directly to the home page — skip to Step 3.
Action map
Open the Microsoft 365 portal
- 01
Open any web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
- 02
Go to portal.office.com in the address bar and press Enter.
- 03
You will see the Microsoft sign-in page. If you are already signed in, you will be taken…
Visual guide
Use this visual action map alongside the written instructions above.
Open Microsoft 365 help & learning for Logging into M365 (Web)Sign in with your work account
- Instruction 1: Type your full work email address (e.g. jane.smith@yourcompany.co.nz) into the email field and click Next.
- Instruction 2: Enter your password on the next screen and click Sign in.
- Instruction 3: If your organisation uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), you will be prompted to approve the sign-in on your phone or enter a code. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you have not yet set up MFA, see the 'Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication' guide.
- Instruction 4: If it is your first time signing in, you may be asked to review privacy and terms. Click Accept to continue.
Navigate the portal home page
- Instruction 1: Once signed in, you will see the Microsoft 365 home page at portal.office.com.
- Instruction 2: The app launcher (the grid of dots icon in the top-left corner) shows all the apps available to you — click any app icon to open it in the browser.
- Instruction 3: The main area of the home page shows your recently opened files from OneDrive and SharePoint, so you can quickly continue where you left off.
- Instruction 4: To sign out when finished, click your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner, then click Sign out.
Quick fixes
Troubleshooting
My password is not working
Check that Caps Lock is off and that you are using your work email address — not a personal Microsoft account. If you have forgotten your password, see the 'Resetting Your M365 Password' guide or contact the helpdesk.
The page says my account is locked
Too many failed sign-in attempts can temporarily lock your account. Wait 15 minutes and try again. If it is still locked, contact the helpdesk to unlock it.
I am asked for a verification code but have not set up MFA
Your organisation may have recently enabled MFA for all accounts. Contact the helpdesk for help completing the initial MFA setup.
Still need a hand?
Our support team can help with Microsoft 365.
Tell us where you got stuck and what you see on screen.