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How to Fix Excel Sign-In Error Code 105
Question details
The user is unable to sign in to the Microsoft Excel desktop application, encountering error code 105 along with a correlation ID, timestamp, and error tag.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to log in and activate the Excel desktop application using a school or organization account.
- Observed behavior
- The sign-in process fails with error code 105, which is typically tied to account eligibility issues or a lack of a desktop application license.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your school or organization account credentials ready before troubleshooting the sign-in issue.
Verify Your Office Desktop License on Office.com
Check your Microsoft 365 account subscriptions online to ensure you have a valid license for desktop applications.
Many educational and enterprise Microsoft accounts only provide access to web versions of Office. You must verify that your specific account tier includes desktop software.
Open a web browser, go to Office.com, and sign in using your school or work email address and password.
Click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the dashboard, then select 'View account'.
Navigate to the 'Subscriptions' section from the left sidebar. Look for a license explicitly named 'The latest desktop version of Office'. If it is missing, you do not have permission to use the Excel desktop app.
Test Excel for the Web and Other Office Apps
Determine if the sign-in error is isolated to Excel or if it affects your entire Office installation.
Contact Your School or Organization IT Department
Reach out to your system administrator to fix account eligibility or assign the necessary desktop licenses.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative to Microsoft Excel
If your school or organization account does not include a license for Microsoft Office desktop applications, you can use WPS Office. It provides a robust, free spreadsheet tool that does not require expensive subscriptions or complex enterprise licensing to install on your computer.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software on your computer.
- 3. Open your spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files to continue your work without sign-in errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Excel sign-in error code 105 mean?
Error code 105 typically occurs when there is an authentication failure, often because the school or work account you are using is not authorized or licensed to use the desktop version of Microsoft Office applications.
How can I find out if I have a desktop Office license?
Log in to the Microsoft 365 web portal at Office.com, click your profile icon, select 'View account', and check the 'Subscriptions' section. Look for 'The latest desktop version of Office' in your list of assigned licenses.
Why does Excel work for me on the web but not on my desktop?
Some educational or enterprise Microsoft 365 plans (such as the A1 license) only provide access to the web-based versions of Office apps. To use the desktop versions, you need a higher-tier license assigned by your IT administrator.
Can I fix error 105 by reinstalling Microsoft Office?
Reinstalling Office usually does not fix error code 105 because it is primarily an account and license eligibility issue, not a software corruption problem. You need to verify your account permissions first.
