Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 and OneDrive Sign-in Failure After Password Change

WPS Content Manager Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing persistent sign-in errors with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive across multiple devices after changing their account password.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 and OneDrive Sign-In Failures After a Password Change

Product: Microsoft 365, OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows, macOS
Scenario: Attempting to access Microsoft 365 applications or sync OneDrive files on secondary devices after a recent password update.
Observed behavior: Authentication fails because devices retain outdated security tokens and credentials, causing login errors that may shift from one device to another as each tries to connect.

Before you start

Ensure you have your new Microsoft 365 password ready and close all active Office and OneDrive applications before clearing your system credentials.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Outdated Microsoft Credentials on Windows

Removing cached security tokens in Windows Credential Manager forces Microsoft 365 and OneDrive to prompt for your new password.

Windows stores your login information to keep you signed in. When your password changes on one device, this stored data becomes invalid, preventing successful authentication.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and select the corresponding control panel app from the results.

Access Windows Credentials

In the Credential Manager window, click on the 'Windows Credentials' tab.

Remove Office and OneDrive Entries

Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section. Look for entries starting with 'MicrosoftOffice' or 'OneDrive'. Click the drop-down arrow next to each relevant entry and click 'Remove'.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your computer. Open any Microsoft 365 app or OneDrive and sign in again using your new password.

Clear Outdated Microsoft Credentials on Windows

Tip: Ensure you remove all Office-related entries to completely reset the authentication tokens on your device.

Solution 2

Delete Old Microsoft Passwords from macOS Keychain

If you are using a Mac, clearing outdated Microsoft entries from Keychain Access resolves the continuous sign-in loop.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Documents Without Login Issues Using WPS Office

If persistent Microsoft 365 login errors are preventing you from working, WPS Office is the perfect free, lightweight alternative. It offers full compatibility with Microsoft formats, a familiar interface, and seamless local editing without complex account syncing requirements.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your Windows or Mac device.
3. Open Microsoft Formats Instantly: Right-click your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files and select 'Open with WPS Office' to continue working without signing in.

Completely free and lightweight Office suiteHighly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Edit documents locally without Microsoft account sign-in loopsFamiliar user interface makes migration seamless

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get sign-in errors on my laptop but not my phone after a password change?

Different devices cache security tokens independently. If your phone updates its credentials successfully, your laptop might still attempt to connect using the old stored token, triggering an error until you manually clear it.

Does updating Microsoft 365 apps help fix login issues?

Yes, keeping your Office applications up to date ensures you have the latest security protocols and bug fixes, which can help resolve recurring authentication glitches across devices.

What should I do if clearing my credentials doesn't work?

If the problem persists after clearing your Credential Manager or Keychain, try unlinking your PC from OneDrive in the app settings, or contact your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator to verify your account status.

Login & Account Issues