Outlook Login Problems

How to Fix Outlook Repeatedly Asking for POP3 or IMAP Password

Muhammad Talha Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing repeated password prompts in Outlook for POP3 or IMAP accounts, preventing them from sending or receiving emails, even though webmail login is successful.

How to Fix Outlook Repeatedly Asking for POP3 or IMAP Password

Product: Microsoft Outlook 2019 / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up or reinstalling a POP3 or IMAP email account in Microsoft Outlook.
Observed behavior: Outlook continuously prompts for the email password and displays an error that the server rejected the login, despite the credentials being completely correct.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and confirm your username and password by successfully logging into your email provider's webmail interface before modifying any Outlook settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Outdated Passwords from Windows Credential Manager

Remove cached, incorrect, or corrupted saved passwords from Windows to force Outlook to prompt for fresh authentication.

Often, Outlook continuously asks for a password because Windows Credential Manager has stored an outdated or corrupted password. Clearing these credentials forces Outlook to establish a brand-new, authenticated connection with the email server.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Credential Manager' into the search bar, and press Enter to launch the utility.

Locate Outlook Credentials

Click on 'Windows Credentials' to view your saved passwords. Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section and find any entries starting with 'MSOutlook' or containing your email address.

Remove Saved Passwords

Click the dropdown arrow next to the relevant credential and select 'Remove'. Confirm your choice to delete the saved password.

Restart Outlook

Close and reopen Microsoft Outlook. When the password prompt appears, enter your correct password and check the 'Remember my password' box.

Clear Outdated Passwords from Windows Credential Manager

Success Tip: If you use multiple email accounts, carefully ensure you are only removing the credentials for the specific email address experiencing the issue.

Solution 2

Verify POP3 or IMAP Server and Port Settings

Ensure that your incoming and outgoing server names, port numbers, and encryption methods match your email provider's exact requirements.

Solution 3

Contact Your Email Provider or IT Administrator

If local settings are correct but the server continues to reject the connection, there may be a backend service or subscription issue requiring administrative support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook keep asking for my password even though I checked 'Remember Password'?

This usually happens because the credentials saved in the Windows Credential Manager have become corrupted or outdated. It can also occur if your email provider has updated their security policies, such as requiring two-factor authentication or app-specific passwords.

What should I do if my POP3 or IMAP server settings are correct but the login still fails?

First, verify if your email provider requires an 'App Password' instead of your regular password for third-party email clients like Outlook. Additionally, log into your webmail and ensure that POP or IMAP access is explicitly enabled in your account settings.

Does reinstalling Outlook fix the continuous password prompt issue?

Not necessarily. Reinstalling the Outlook application often leaves your user profile and cached credentials intact. It is usually much faster and more effective to clear the Windows Credential Manager or create a brand-new Outlook profile from the Windows Control Panel.

Can antivirus or firewall software block Outlook from verifying my password?

Yes. Sometimes overly strict firewall or antivirus settings intercept the email ports (like 993 or 995) to scan for spam, which disrupts the secure handshake between Outlook and the email server, resulting in a rejected login.

Outlook & Email Problems