Outlook Login Problems

How to Fix Outlook 365 'Please Check Your Credentials' Error

WPS Content Manager Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user encounters a credential verification error prompt when attempting to add an email account to Outlook 365, even when entering the correct username and password.

How to Fix Outlook 365 'Please Check Your Credentials' Account Error

Product: Outlook 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding a new email account or configuring an existing account in the Outlook 365 desktop application.
Observed behavior: Outlook fails to complete the account setup and repeatedly displays the message 'Please check your credentials and try again.'

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and ensure your email provider is not currently experiencing a service outage by checking their official status page.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Full Email Address and Test Web Sign-In

Ensure you are using the complete email address for authentication and verify that your credentials work via your provider's webmail interface.

Often, Outlook requires the exact and full email address rather than just a username to properly authenticate with the server. Testing on the web helps isolate whether the issue is with the account itself or the Outlook application.

Test webmail login

Open a web browser and navigate to your email provider's webmail portal (e.g., Outlook on the web, Gmail, or Yahoo Mail) to log in.

Verify credentials

If the web login is successful, return to the Outlook 365 desktop application to restart the 'Add Account' process.

Enter the complete email address

In the Outlook prompt, carefully type your full email address (e.g., username@domain.com) instead of just the username.

Enter password and connect

Type the corresponding password and click 'Connect' to allow Outlook to verify the credentials and server settings.

Verify Full Email Address and Test Web Sign-In

Check for typos: Ensure there are no trailing spaces copied accidentally when pasting your email address or password.

Solution 2

Check App Passwords and Organization Settings

Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or strict organizational security policies may require a special App Password or administrator approval.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook keep asking for my password even though it is correct?

This usually happens if Windows has stored outdated cached credentials, if your email account requires an App Password due to Two-Factor Authentication, or if your network connection is unstable.

How do I clear cached credentials in Windows for Outlook?

Open the Windows Start menu, type 'Credential Manager', and open it. Click on 'Windows Credentials', locate any entries related to 'MicrosoftOffice' or 'Outlook', expand them, and select 'Remove'.

Can a corrupted Outlook profile cause credential errors?

Yes, a corrupted local profile can prevent authentication. You can fix this by going to Windows Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles, and adding a new profile to set up your email account fresh.

Outlook & Email Problems