How to Fix OneDrive Requesting Credentials for the Wrong SharePoint Server
Question details
OneDrive for Business prompts for user ID credentials for a legacy self-hosted SharePoint server instead of the company's Microsoft-hosted OneDrive.
- Product
- OneDrive / SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user in a hybrid SharePoint environment attempts to sync or log into OneDrive, but the application routes to the wrong legacy server.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive ignores the Microsoft 365 company email address and repeatedly requests credentials for an old self-hosted SharePoint location. Resetting the OneDrive application does not resolve the routing issue.
Ensure you have your correct Microsoft 365 company email address and password on hand, and confirm whether your organization utilizes a hybrid SharePoint environment.
Reconfigure Synchronization via OneDrive Classic View
Use the web browser version of OneDrive to force the synchronization client to target the correct Microsoft-hosted location.
Since the desktop client is stuck routing to the legacy server, initiating the sync from the web version's classic view bypasses the cached hybrid redirection.
Open a web browser and sign in to your Microsoft 365 account, then navigate to your OneDrive portal.
Look at the bottom left corner of the OneDrive webpage and click the 'Return to classic OneDrive' link.
In the classic view, click the 'Sync' button located in the top ribbon menu. When prompted, allow the browser to open Microsoft OneDrive.
Follow the on-screen prompts in the desktop client to configure the Microsoft-hosted location using your company email address.
Verify Hybrid Identity Settings with IT Admin
If local browser sync does not resolve the issue, the account profile in the SharePoint admin center is likely misconfigured.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Management
While resolving complex SharePoint server routing issues, you can use WPS Office as a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers robust format compatibility and built-in cloud integrations, allowing you to easily access your files.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Add Cloud Storage: Open WPS Office, navigate to the 'Open' tab on the left panel, and click on 'Add Cloud Storage'.
- 3. Connect to OneDrive: Select OneDrive from the list, sign in with your Microsoft credentials, and seamlessly access all your cloud files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive ask for my old SharePoint user ID instead of my email?
In hybrid configurations, OneDrive can sometimes retrieve outdated redirection policies, causing it to request credentials for a legacy self-hosted SharePoint server instead of your current Microsoft 365 environment.
Will resetting the OneDrive app fix the wrong server prompt?
Generally, no. A standard OneDrive reset clears local app data but does not correct backend routing issues pointing to a legacy server. You typically need to re-initiate the sync from the web browser or have an admin fix your profile.
How do I switch back to the modern OneDrive view?
If you switched to the classic view to troubleshoot synchronization, you can easily switch back by clicking the 'Exit classic experience' link located in the top-left corner of the webpage or simply refreshing your browser tab.
