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How to Fix Office TPM Malfunction Error 80090016 for Work or School Accounts
Question details
The user needs to resolve an authentication error preventing a work or school account from signing into Microsoft Office desktop apps.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to Microsoft Office desktop applications like Word or Excel using a work or school account.
- Observed behavior
- Office displays a Trusted Platform Module malfunction error with code 80090016 and blocks the sign-in process, even though the account can still log in successfully online.
Ensure you have administrator access to your Windows device and save any open work, as these troubleshooting steps will require you to restart your computer.
Disconnect and Reconnect Your Work or School Account
Removing the problematic account from Windows settings and re-adding it often resolves authentication caching and TPM conflicts.
Click the Windows Start menu button and select the gear icon to open Settings. Navigate to the 'Accounts' section.
From the left-hand menu, click on 'Access work or school' to view all organizations connected to your device.
Locate the affected work or school account, click on it, and select 'Disconnect'. Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the removal.
Restart your computer. Once rebooted, open an Office application like Word or Excel and attempt to sign in again to re-register the connection.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
This official automated diagnostic tool can identify and automatically fix deep-rooted sign-in and activation issues in Office.
Contact Your IT Administrator to Re-register in Azure AD
If local troubleshooting fails, the device registration might be corrupted on the organization's server side.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Productivity Experience
Tired of dealing with complex TPM activation errors and sign-in blocks? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you bypass complicated account restrictions and get straight to your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TPM malfunction error 80090016 mean?
This error code indicates that the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on your Windows device cannot successfully authenticate your Microsoft Office credentials. It is typically caused by corrupted local security token caches or device registration mismatches within Azure Active Directory.
Can I still access my work or school files if I get this desktop error?
Yes. This TPM malfunction error generally only affects desktop versions of Microsoft Office applications. You can still access your emails, documents, and spreadsheets online via a web browser using Office 365 on the web.
Will clearing my TPM fix the Office sign-in error?
Clearing the TPM can sometimes resolve persistent authentication problems, but it is considered a drastic measure. It can result in data loss or lock you out of other encrypted services like BitLocker. You should only clear your TPM under the direct guidance of your organization's IT administrator.
