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Fix Word Account and Privacy Settings Errors in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user is trapped in a loop where Word continuously asks to restart Office to update privacy settings, followed by an account error that prompts for sign-in and blocks OneDrive connections.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening Microsoft Word or attempting to connect OneDrive to Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays an account error requiring sign-in and repeatedly requests an Office restart to update privacy settings. The issue also prevents OneDrive from connecting to Office apps.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer, as you will need to use the Command Prompt to roll back your Microsoft 365 installation to a previous stable build.
Roll Back Microsoft 365 via Command Prompt
Downgrading your Microsoft 365 installation to a previous stable build bypasses the update bug causing the privacy settings loop.
This is a known issue in certain recent builds of Microsoft 365. Using the built-in Office Click-To-Run tool, you can revert to a version (like 16.0.17531.20120) that does not contain this bug.
Click the Windows Start button, type 'cmd' in the search bar, right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
In the Command Prompt window, type 'cd %programfiles%\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun' and press Enter.
Type 'OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17531.20120' and press Enter to initiate the downgrade process.
Wait for the update window to finish downloading and applying the previous build. Once completed, restart Microsoft Word to verify the account error is gone.
Avoid Forced Update Bugs with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 update glitches and account loops are disrupting your work, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative without the frustrating sign-in and privacy setting errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer and launch WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Drag and drop your existing .docx files directly into WPS Writer to continue working instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word keep asking me to restart to update privacy settings?
This is caused by a bug in specific Microsoft 365 update builds. The application fails to recognize that the privacy settings have already been updated, causing an infinite restart loop and associated account errors.
Will rolling back my Microsoft 365 installation delete my files?
No. Downgrading the Office application via Command Prompt only affects the software files. Your personal documents, preferences, and files stored on OneDrive remain perfectly safe.
How do I stop Microsoft 365 from updating automatically after rolling back?
Open any Office application like Word, go to 'File' > 'Account', click on 'Update Options' under the Product Information section, and select 'Disable Updates'. You can re-enable this once Microsoft confirms the bug is fixed.
