Outlook Login Problems

How to Fix Microsoft 365 or Outlook Keeps Asking for Password

Phi Hung Vo Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft 365 or Outlook continuously prompts for a password, preventing normal access to emails or Office applications.

How to Stop Microsoft 365 and Outlook from Repeatedly Asking for a Password

Product: Microsoft 365, Outlook
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Launching Microsoft Outlook or any Microsoft 365 application to check emails or edit documents.
Observed behavior: The application gets stuck in an authentication loop, repeatedly popping up a credentials window even after the correct password has been entered.

Before you start

Verify whether the password prompt is requesting your Microsoft 365 account credentials or the password for a connected third-party email provider (like Gmail or Yahoo), and ensure your Microsoft subscription is currently active.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Cached Office Credentials in Windows

Removing corrupted or outdated login tokens from the Windows Credential Manager is the most effective way to stop repeated Microsoft 365 password prompts.

Windows stores your login information locally to keep you signed into Office apps. When these cached tokens become corrupted or out of sync with Microsoft's servers, they cause endless login loops. Clearing them forces the system to generate a fresh, working token.

Open Credential Manager

Press the Windows key, type "Credential Manager" into the search bar, and hit Enter to open the Control Panel applet.

Access Windows Credentials

Click on the "Windows Credentials" tab to view all saved authentication tokens for your local system and applications.

Remove Office Entries

Scroll down to the "Generic Credentials" section. Look for any entries containing "MicrosoftOffice16", "MicrosoftOffice15", "OneDrive", or "Office 365". Click the drop-down arrow next to each one and select "Remove".

Restart and Sign In

Close the Credential Manager and restart Microsoft Outlook or your Office applications. Enter your password when prompted and check the box to remember your credentials.

Clear Cached Office Credentials in Windows

Account Identification: Ensure you know your current Microsoft account password before clearing the credentials, as you will need to manually log in again upon restarting the application.

Solution 2

Generate an App Password for IMAP Accounts

If the password prompt specifically targets a third-party IMAP email account like Gmail, you likely need a dedicated app password due to modern security protocols.

Solution 3

Recreate Your Outlook Profile

If the password loop continues after clearing credentials, your Outlook profile configuration might be permanently corrupted and needs to be rebuilt.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Hassle-Free Document Editing with WPS Office

If Microsoft 365's constant password prompts and authentication issues are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, seamless experience without the headache of complex account synchronization loops, allowing you to focus entirely on your work.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the latest version.
2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen setup instructions to install WPS Office on your PC.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files instantly, with full formatting retained and no login loops.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteNo constant password prompts or forced cloud authenticationHighly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsFamiliar, user-friendly interface for an easy transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook suddenly keep asking for my password?

This usually happens when the saved login token in the Windows Credential Manager becomes corrupted or expires, causing Outlook to continuously request authentication from the Microsoft server.

Will clearing my Windows credentials delete my emails or data?

No, removing entries from the Credential Manager only deletes the saved login tokens. Your emails, contacts, and calendar events remain safely stored on the email server and in your Outlook data files.

I recently changed my Microsoft password. Do I need to update it in Outlook?

Yes. If you recently changed your Microsoft account password, the old password saved on your system will trigger a login loop. You must enter the new password when prompted and ensure you check the "Remember my credentials" box to update the local token.

Outlook & Email Problems