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Fix Outlook 2016 Repeated Password and App Password Login Problems
Question details
The user is experiencing continuous password prompts in Outlook 2016, where the application rejects newly changed passwords or continuously requests an app password despite saving credentials.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in and synchronize email in Outlook 2016 after a recent password change or when using a multi-factor authenticated account.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook repeatedly prompts for login credentials, rejecting new passwords or app passwords, even after selecting the option to save credentials.
Ensure you have your current email account password handy and have access to your email provider's web security dashboard in case you need to generate a new app password. Close the Outlook 2016 application completely before proceeding with the fixes.
Clear Cached Credentials from Windows Credential Manager
Removing outdated or corrupted cached passwords forces Outlook 2016 to establish a fresh authentication session and save the new credentials properly.
Windows stores your saved passwords in the Credential Manager. When you change your email password, the stored credential often conflicts with the new login attempt, resulting in a continuous prompt loop.
Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and press Enter.
Select the 'Windows Credentials' tab to view all passwords saved locally on your computer.
Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section and look for any entries that begin with 'MicrosoftOffice16' or contain 'Outlook' in the name.
Click on the credential entry to expand it, select 'Remove', and confirm the deletion. Repeat this for all Outlook-related credentials.
Open Outlook 2016 again. When prompted, enter your current password or app password, check 'Remember my credentials', and click OK.
Generate and Use a New App Password
If your email account uses Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Outlook 2016 may require a unique app password rather than your standard account password.
Enable Modern Authentication via Registry
For users on Microsoft 365 or Exchange, forcing Outlook 2016 to use Modern Authentication can bypass basic credential prompt issues.
Upgrade Your Office Experience with WPS Office
Dealing with outdated software limitations and persistent login issues in Office 2016 can disrupt your workflow. If you are looking for a reliable, modern productivity suite, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for all your document needs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, follow the simple on-screen instructions, and open WPS Office.
- 3. Open Existing Files: Drag and drop your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly into the application to continue working instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook 2016 keep asking for my password even after I check 'Remember my credentials'?
This is typically caused by a corrupted or outdated password saved in the Windows Credential Manager. Because Outlook prioritizes the cached credential, it fails to authenticate, triggering a continuous prompt loop. Clearing the credential fixes this.
What is an app password and why does Outlook 2016 need it?
An app password is a special 16-character code generated by your email provider. Outlook 2016 sometimes requires it because it may not fully support the interactive Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) security prompts used by modern webmail accounts.
Will reinstalling Office 2016 fix the constant password prompts?
Usually, no. Reinstalling Office does not remove your Outlook profile data or clear the Windows Credential Manager. Fixing the cached credentials or updating your account's app passwords are the required steps to resolve the problem.
How do I know if my email provider requires an app password?
If you have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Two-Step Verification enabled for your email account (like Gmail, Yahoo, or Microsoft), and Outlook 2016 rejects your correct password, you almost certainly need to generate an app password from your provider's security settings.
