OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Excel OneDrive Sync Errors Caused by Expired Cached Credentials

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sync Excel files to OneDrive due to a persistent error stating that cached credentials have expired, which is not resolved by standard sign-out or Credential Manager resets.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to upload, download, or sync Excel files stored on OneDrive while logged into a Microsoft 365 account.
Observed behavior: Excel displays a "Sign in required" message. Clicking "Fix Me" or "Resolve" opens a new sign-in window but immediately returns to the error state, creating an endless loop despite having an active subscription.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is fully active online, save a local copy of your open Excel files to prevent data loss, and create a backup of your Windows Registry before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Office Cache Folders and Delete the Identity Registry Key

This is the most effective method for breaking the sign-in loop, as it forcibly removes corrupted authentication tokens deep within the system.

Editing the Windows Registry requires administrative privileges. Follow these steps carefully, as modifying the wrong registry keys can cause system instability.

Close All Office Applications

Ensure Excel, Word, and OneDrive are completely closed. Check the system tray to ensure OneDrive is not running in the background.

Clear Authentication Cache

Press Windows + R, paste %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\16.0, and press Enter. Locate and delete the contents of the 'OneAuth' and 'IdentityCache' folders.

Open Registry Editor

Press Windows + R again, type 'regedit', and press Enter to launch the Windows Registry Editor.

Delete the Identity Key

Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Identity. Right-click the 'Identity' folder and select 'Delete'.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your computer, open Excel, and sign in to your Microsoft account. Your OneDrive files should now sync properly.

Registry Backup: Before deleting the Identity folder in the Registry Editor, right-click it, select 'Export', and save a backup copy to your desktop.

Solution 2

Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Office

If registry modifications do not resolve the expired credentials error, a deep removal and fresh offline installation of Office is required.

Solution 3

Verify Subscription and Contact Microsoft Support

Use this solution if local troubleshooting fails and the Account tab continues to display an unresolvable error, indicating a potential server-side or account-specific block.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Hassle-Free Cloud Syncing

If you are tired of troubleshooting registry keys and battling Microsoft Office sign-in loops, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. It provides built-in, seamless cloud syncing without the frustrating credential expiration errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
2. Open Your Excel Files: Install the software and open your existing .xlsx files directly in WPS Spreadsheets with zero formatting loss.
3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to a free WPS account to easily sync and backup your spreadsheets across all your devices.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Built-in WPS Cloud for reliable, error-free file syncing and backup.Lightweight installation that does not clutter your Windows Registry.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel keep saying my cached credentials have expired?

This occurs when the authentication tokens stored locally on your device become corrupted or out of sync with Microsoft's servers. This prevents Excel from verifying your active subscription, triggering a continuous sign-in loop.

Does clearing the Windows Credential Manager fix this Excel error?

Often, clearing the Credential Manager alone is not enough for this specific error. You typically need to dig deeper by clearing the OneAuth and IdentityCache folders and deleting the Office Identity registry key to force a clean login session.

Will deleting the Identity registry key delete my Excel files?

No. Deleting the Identity registry key only removes your local Office sign-in data. Your personal Excel files stored locally on your hard drive or in the cloud on OneDrive remain completely safe and untouched.

Document & File Issues