OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix OneDrive and Outlook Sign-In Error 2148073494

Muhammad Talha Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to access OneDrive or Outlook due to an authentication failure triggered by a recent password change.

How to Fix OneDrive and Outlook Sign-In Error 2148073494 After a Password Change

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to desktop applications like OneDrive and Outlook after recently updating the Microsoft account or Microsoft 365 password.
Observed behavior: The applications fail to authenticate the new password, blocking sign-in and displaying error code 2148073494 along with a correlation ID and timestamp.

Before you start

Open an incognito or private browser window and attempt to sign in at portal.office.com to verify that your new password is correct and your account is active.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Saved Credentials and Reset Activation State

Use this solution to remove outdated passwords stored on your system, forcing Outlook and OneDrive to ask for your new credentials.

When you change your password, Windows sometimes holds onto the old authentication tokens in the Credential Manager. Clearing these cached files usually resolves the error immediately.

Open Windows Credential Manager

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

Remove Microsoft Credentials

Select 'Windows Credentials'. Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section and locate any entries starting with 'OneDrive Cached Credential' or 'MicrosoftOffice'. Click on each one and select 'Remove'.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your computer to clear the Microsoft 365 activation state in memory. Open Outlook or OneDrive and enter your new password when prompted.

Clear Saved Credentials and Reset Activation State

Authentication Restored: Removing the old credentials ensures that your desktop apps securely generate a brand-new authentication token.

Solution 2

Unlink and Reset the OneDrive Sync Client

If Outlook works but OneDrive still displays the error, you need to manually refresh the local OneDrive sync application.

Solution 3

Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)

If manual credential clearing doesn't work, Microsoft's official diagnostic tool can automatically fix deep-rooted activation and sign-in errors.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience

If you are tired of dealing with persistent Microsoft 365 sign-in errors, credential mismatches, and blocked access to your local files, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, entirely free suite that seamlessly edits all your existing files without forcing complicated cloud sync restrictions.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and follow the quick setup guide.
2. Open Your Microsoft Files: Simply double-click your existing DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX files. WPS Office will automatically open them with perfect formatting.
3. Work Offline Freely: Edit, save, and manage your documents directly on your hard drive without worrying about cloud authentication errors.

Avoid Microsoft 365 authentication and credential sync errors completely.100% format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX).Lightweight application that uses minimal system resources.Completely free to download and use with a highly familiar user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly causes error code 2148073494?

This error is triggered by an authentication token mismatch. It most commonly occurs when you change your account password online, but your local applications (like Outlook and OneDrive) try to connect to Microsoft servers using the old, saved password token.

Will unlinking my PC from OneDrive delete my files?

No. Unlinking your PC simply stops the syncing process. Your files remain safely stored in the cloud, and any files already downloaded will stay securely on your computer's hard drive.

Why does Outlook continuously ask for my password after I changed it?

Outlook relies on the Windows Credential Manager to store passwords. If the manager fails to update automatically after a password change, Outlook will continuously retry the old password and fail, prompting you repeatedly until you clear the cached entry.

Can I use WPS Office as an alternative if Microsoft 365 keeps locking me out?

Yes. WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats and operates independently of Microsoft's authentication servers, allowing you to seamlessly edit and save your files without dealing with sign-in blocks.

Microsoft Office Error Codes