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How to Fix OneDrive "Your Memories from This Day" Authentication Errors
Question details
The user is unable to open their OneDrive memories via email links due to constant authentication errors, redirect loops, or screen flickering.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to view the "Your Memories from This Day" photos after clicking the link provided in the OneDrive notification email.
- Observed behavior
- The memory link fails to load properly, causing the screen to flicker or repeatedly display an authentication-attempt error, even though thumbnail previews are visible in the email.
Ensure you are connected to a stable internet network and have your Microsoft account login credentials ready before troubleshooting the browser authentication loop.
Clear Browser Data and Use InPrivate Mode
Clearing outdated browser cache and cookies forces OneDrive to authenticate your credentials properly and prevents redirect loops.
Authentication errors usually occur when your web browser holds onto an expired or corrupted login session. Using a private browsing window helps bypass these saved, problematic data files temporarily.
Click the menu icon (usually three dots) in the top-right corner of your browser and navigate to the Privacy, Search, and Services or History section.
Select the option to clear browsing data, ensuring that 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' are checked, then click Clear.
Press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac) to open a new private browsing window.
Go to the official OneDrive website, sign in manually with your Microsoft account credentials, and try clicking the memories link again.
Access Memories via the OneDrive Mobile App
Bypassing the web browser entirely by using the official mobile app can circumvent browser-specific authentication glitches.
Verify Microsoft Account Security Activity
Security flags or unusual activity holds on your Microsoft account can cause repeated authentication errors across all Microsoft services.
Manage and Save Your Documents Securely with WPS Office
While troubleshooting your cloud storage issues, consider using WPS Office for your document management. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to easily edit, save, and safely back up your important files.
- 1. Visit the Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to find the correct version for your operating system.
- 2. Download and Install: Click 'Download WPS Office Free' and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the software.
- 3. Sign In for Cloud Access: Create a free WPS account to unlock cloud backup features and cross-device document synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my OneDrive memories show in the email but not when I click them?
The email notification loads a static preview image generated previously by Microsoft's servers. However, when you click the link, OneDrive requires active authentication to access the private file. If your browser's login session is expired or corrupted, the live page will fail to load or get stuck in a login loop.
How can I stop the screen from flickering when opening OneDrive links?
Screen flickering usually occurs when the browser is caught in a rapid redirect loop between the Microsoft authentication page and the OneDrive file. Clearing your browser's cookies or opening the link in an InPrivate or Incognito window usually breaks this loop.
Can I turn off the "Your Memories from This Day" emails completely?
Yes, you can disable these notifications. Go to the OneDrive website, click on Settings (the gear icon), select Options, navigate to Notifications on the left sidebar, and uncheck the box for "On this day memories are available".
What should I do if the authentication error persists across all web browsers?
If clearing cookies and switching browsers doesn't work, the issue might be tied to a temporary server outage on Microsoft's end or a security lock on your Microsoft account. Check your account's recent security activity, or wait a few hours before trying again.
