Fix Log New Account Onedrive in OneDrive on Mac

When OneDrive stops working as expected, start with the shortest official checks before you reinstall anything.

Problem Description: Log New Account Onedrive

Hi, I moved universities and am trying to install onedrive desktop for my new university/employer. I re-downloaded the onedrive app, but now every time I get stuck at the log in phase. The app asks me to fill out an old password from my keychain that does not work. Since I am not logged in, I cannot go to preferences and unlink mac (which is what I should have done). The only thing I can do is quit onedrive and restart it, but then I get stuck in the same loop. What can I do?

Quick Answer for OneDrive Won't Complete Task

Hi @[Julie](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/users/na/?userid=b95e9a0d-df99-4a66-91ea-ac0a2160a7ad) Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

Likely Causes Behind Common Login Triggers

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger login & account issues.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Installing OneDrive on a New PC

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Based on your description, I understand that you’re unable to complete the OneDrive sign-in process and are being prompted for an old password.

2. This issue may be related to cached credentials from your previous account stored in macOS Keychain.

3. Here are some steps you may consider trying to see if they help resolve the issue: 1.Clear OneDrive credentials from Keychain -Quit OneDrive completely. -Open the Keychain Access app on your Mac. -In Keychain Access, search for “OneDrive.” -Delete the OneDrive cached credentials.

4. Please note: The steps to delete keychains may vary.

5. An alternative approach is to choose Window > Keychain Access, then choose File > Delete Keychain [OneDrive/Office/MS] and click "Delete References." You can refer to this article for more information: [Unlink and re-link OneDrive - Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive-3c4680bf-cc36-4204-9ca5-e7b24cdd23ea#id0ebbh=mac) 2.Reset OneDrive -Open Finder > Applications. -Control-click OneDrive and choose Show Package Contents. -Go to Contents > Resources. -Double-click ResetOneDriveApp.command (or ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command, if you're using the standalone app). -Start OneDrive and finish the setup process.

6. Reference link: [Reset OneDrive - Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/reset-onedrive-34701e00-bf7b-42db-b960-84905399050c#id0ebbh=mac) Please let me know how you get on, as your feedback is valuable to the community. --- If the answer is helpful, please click "**Accept** **Answer**" and kindly upvote it.

7. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "**Comment**".

8. Note: Please follow the steps in [our documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/support/preferences) to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Alternative Solutions for Broader Login Workarounds

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Using WPS While OneDrive Is Unavailable

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Repeat Login

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Register more than one MFA method and keep recovery contacts current.

FAQs About Log Troubleshooting FAQ

Can WPS Office fix this login & account issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall OneDrive before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.