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Update setup user authentication instructions #44708

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Update setup user authentication instructions #44708

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Update setup user authentication instructions
wi11ialvl Jun 12, 2026
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Sharra-writes Jun 12, 2026
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3 changes: 3 additions & 0 deletions content/admin/concepts/identity-and-access-management/setup-user.md
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Expand Up @@ -36,6 +36,9 @@

{% data reusables.enterprise-accounts.emu-password-reset-session %}

> [!NOTE]
> Once authentication has been configured on the enterprise, the setup user requires the [enterprise recovery codes](https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud@latest/admin/managing-iam/managing-recovery-codes-for-your-enterprise/downloading-your-enterprise-accounts-single-sign-on-recovery-codes) to be able to login.

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@stacycarter stacycarter Jun 12, 2026 •
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Thanks for working on this @wi11ialvl ! A couple of thoughts:

  • The first line says recovery codes are always required when the setup user is logging in, once auth is configured for the enterprise, but that contradicts the bullet points in the article -- enterprise recovery codes are only required at every setup user login when 2FA isn't enabled.

  • What if we add the following instead of the note (combined with the existing bullet points, could make it more clear)?

  1. Navigate to github.com/login.
  2. Enter the setup user's username (for example, shortcode_admin) and password.
  3. Complete your 2FA challenge, or enter an enterprise recovery code if prompted. Enterprise recovery codes are not the same as personal two-factor authentication recovery codes. For more information, see AUTOTITLE.

The steps could go right after "the setup user cannot sign in via SSO" and before the bullet points about recovery codes. That way the flow reads: you can't use SSO --> here's how you do sign in --> here's what to expect about recovery codes.

@Sharra-writes Sharra-writes Jun 12, 2026

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Yes, this is better. Let's do this.

## Can I delete the setup user?

The setup user **cannot** be deleted, because it is essential for maintaining authentication and provisioning. The only way to remove the setup user is to delete your enterprise account. See [AUTOTITLE](/admin/managing-your-enterprise-account/deleting-an-enterprise-account).
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