How to Fix Microsoft 365 HTTP 404 Error for login.microsoftonline.com
Question details
Users encounter an HTTP 404 error when attempting to authenticate and sign in to Microsoft 365.

- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Azure Virtual Desktop
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Signing in to Microsoft 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, particularly during morning sign-in routines.
- Observed behavior
- The authentication page fails to load, throwing an HTTP 404 error for login.microsoftonline.com due to restrictive Internet Explorer proxy policies or LAN settings.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows machine, as modifying Internet Options, LAN settings, or Group Policies requires admin access.
Enable Automatically Detect Settings in Internet Options
Adjusting the local LAN settings in Windows often resolves proxy conflicts that cause the HTTP 404 login error.
Windows 11 and older operating systems may still rely on legacy Internet Explorer network configurations for authentication traffic. Clearing hardcoded proxy paths allows the system to reach Microsoft's login servers smoothly.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' into the search bar, and press Enter to launch the application.
Click on 'Network and Internet', then select 'Internet Options' to open the Internet Properties dialog box.
Switch to the 'Connections' tab at the top of the window and click on the 'LAN settings' button located near the bottom.
Check the box next to 'Automatically detect settings'. Ensure that the 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' box is unchecked unless specifically required by your organization's network.
Click 'OK' to save the changes, close the Control Panel, and attempt to sign in to Microsoft 365 again.

Update Group Policy Settings for Internet Explorer
If LAN settings revert automatically upon restarting, a Group Policy Object (GPO) might be overriding them. Removing or modifying these legacy policies resolves the root cause.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get an HTTP 404 error on login.microsoftonline.com?
This error typically occurs when network proxy policies or legacy Internet Explorer settings misdirect your authentication traffic. It is especially common in Azure Virtual Desktop environments during initial morning sign-ins when outdated policies are applied.
Will changing my LAN settings affect other internet connections?
Enabling 'Automatically detect settings' usually improves general connectivity by allowing Windows to find the best network configuration dynamically. However, if your company strictly mandates a manual proxy, consult your IT administrator before changing it.
What should I do if the 404 login error returns after I reboot my PC?
If the error returns after a system reboot, it means a Group Policy Object (GPO) is pushing the restrictive Internet Explorer settings back to your machine upon login. Your IT department must update or delete the conflicting GPO targeting the Internet Explorer registry keys.




