Not able to sign in to Authenticator on phone, not able to use the 2 digit number verifiation routine

trying to use authenticator on Samsung Galaxy 23 ultra fails. Windows 11 re-install asks for me to verify the 2 digit number shown on screen to authorize log in. Authenticator on phone only wants to use an 8 digit (4x2) code in response.

I uninstalled authenticator and rebooted phone then reinstalled it. Now it too wants me to use authenticator and again shows a 2 digit number to me, even tho I am in the process of installing it from scratch. Not able to verify as the software is not fully set up to do so.

This is REALLY frustrating - all this because Windows 11 Pro update wiped out the boot loader, and I can not get running without it. I have been stuck with this for several hours and am not able to use my computer at all because of this "snake eating itself" issue with authenticator. How do I re-install authenticator and get it to work with 2 digit verification numbers?