OneDrive File Issues

Fix Cannot Access Excel Files in OneDrive Due to Password Prompts

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user cannot access their Excel files stored in a personal OneDrive folder because the system continuously prompts them to change their password, even after successfully resetting it.

Product: Microsoft 365 / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access and open stored Excel documents from a personal OneDrive account.
Observed behavior: A password-change loop blocks access to the files. Signing in with the newly changed password merely triggers the same password-change prompt again.

Before you start

Before changing your password again, try opening your OneDrive account in a private or incognito browsing window to determine if the issue is caused by a corrupted browser cache.

Solution 1Recommended

Diagnose Account and Platform Specifics

Determine the exact environment where the error occurs to narrow down the cause of the authentication loop.

Authentication loops can sometimes be isolated to a specific app or account type. By testing different platforms, you can figure out if the issue is with your local software or your Microsoft account itself.

Check the platform

Try accessing the files through both the OneDrive desktop application and the OneDrive website (onedrive.live.com) to see if the loop happens on both.

Verify account type

Ensure you are signing in with a personal Microsoft account rather than a work or school account, as enterprise accounts have different password reset policies.

Test other file types

Try opening a Word or PowerPoint file in the same OneDrive folder to see if the issue is isolated strictly to Excel files or affects the entire drive.

Solution 2

Document and Resolve Specific Error Messages

Capture the exact failure point to identify if it is a server issue or a credential mismatch.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open and Edit Local Excel Files Easily with WPS Office

If cloud authentication loops are locking you out of Microsoft 365, you can still access and edit your locally saved spreadsheets. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that lets you work completely offline with full format compatibility.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
2. Locate Local Files: Navigate to the locally synced OneDrive folder on your computer's hard drive.
3. Open with WPS: Right-click your Excel file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to view and edit your data without the Microsoft 365 login prompt.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv)Work entirely offline without dealing with forced cloud account sign-insLightweight installation and familiar interface for a seamless transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep asking for a password change?

This authentication loop is often caused by corrupted cached credentials on your device, a temporary Microsoft server synchronization error, or a flagged security risk on your Microsoft account requiring multiple verifications.

Can I access my OneDrive Excel files without signing in?

If you have the OneDrive desktop app installed and the files are synced locally (marked with a green checkmark icon), you can open them offline using a local spreadsheet application. Cloud-only files (marked with a cloud icon) require a successful sign-in to download.

How can I stop the password prompt loop on Windows?

Try clearing your cached credentials. Search for 'Credential Manager' in the Windows Start menu, select 'Windows Credentials', remove any saved passwords related to Microsoft Office or OneDrive, and then restart your PC before trying to log in again.

Document & File Issues