Microsoft 365 Installation Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 University Account Install Error: We couldn't sign you in

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to install Microsoft 365 desktop apps using a university account due to a recurring sign-in error that prevents the download process.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to download and install Microsoft 365 desktop applications from the online portal using a student license.
Observed behavior: Selecting 'Install Microsoft 365 apps' redirects the user to an account-selection page, displaying the error 'We couldn't sign you in. Please try again.' Clearing the browser cache and switching browsers fails to resolve the loop.

Before you start

Before attempting complex troubleshooting, log into your university portal to confirm your student license actually includes access to Microsoft 365 desktop apps, as many institutions only provide the web-only (A1) license.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Subscription and Perform a Clean Uninstallation

Confirm your desktop app license status and use the official removal tool to clear out corrupt background files that might be causing the sign-in loop.

Sign-in loops during installation are frequently caused by conflicts with pre-installed or previously expired versions of Office on your device. Completely wiping old data usually resolves the redirection error.

Check your license

Sign in to the Microsoft 365 account portal. Navigate to your account settings and click on the 'Subscriptions' page to verify if 'The latest desktop version of Office' is listed.

Download the uninstall tool

Download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (Office uninstall tool) from the official Microsoft support website.

Remove existing installations

Run the downloaded tool, select 'Office', and follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove all existing Office background files and registry keys.

Restart and retry

Restart your computer. Log back into the Microsoft 365 portal and click 'Install Microsoft 365 apps' to attempt a fresh download.

Important: If you cannot access the Subscriptions link, take a screenshot of the exact URL and error message (redacting personal info) to share with your university's IT helpdesk.

Solution 2

Bypass the Portal with the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)

Use a command-line tool to force the download and installation of Microsoft 365 directly from Microsoft servers, bypassing web portal sign-in errors.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office: A Free and Hassle-Free Alternative

If your university account only offers web access or you are stuck in an endless Microsoft installation loop, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a full desktop suite completely free of charge, with no complicated student license checks required.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Run the installer: Open the downloaded installer file and accept the license agreement.
3. Complete installation: Click 'Install' and wait a few moments for the setup to finish. You can immediately start opening and editing your university assignments.

Completely free to download and install with no frustrating account portal loops.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation process that works smoothly on both older and modern computers.All-in-one software combining Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools in a single interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my university account only let me use Office online?

Many educational institutions purchase the 'Office 365 A1' license, which is free but only grants access to web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You need an A3 or A5 license to download the desktop apps.

Does clearing the browser cache fix the M365 sign-in loop?

Clearing the cache or switching browsers can fix temporary session glitches. However, if the issue persists, it usually indicates a deeper account sync problem or conflicts with older Office installations on your computer.

What is the Office Deployment Tool?

The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) is a command-line utility provided by Microsoft. It allows advanced users and IT administrators to customize, download, and install Microsoft 365 apps directly without relying on the standard web portal installer.

Installation & Activation