Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 Password Rejected on HP Laptop

Maira Mehtab Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to Microsoft 365 on an HP laptop because their newly changed password is being consistently rejected.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Password Rejected on an HP Laptop

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows (HP Laptop)
Scenario: Signing in to Microsoft 365 desktop applications after recently updating the account password.
Observed behavior: The new password is authenticated successfully on other devices but is repeatedly rejected on the HP laptop, preventing access to the Office software.

Before you start

Verify that your HP laptop is connected to a stable internet connection and carefully check that Caps Lock is disabled while typing your new Microsoft 365 password.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Windows Cached Credentials and Sync Time

Old saved passwords in Windows can conflict with your newly updated Microsoft 365 password. Clearing the credential cache and fixing time sync errors often resolves the rejection.

When you change your Microsoft account password on another device, your laptop might still try to authenticate using the old password stored in the Windows Credential Manager.

Additionally, Microsoft's security servers require your device's date and time to be perfectly synced to authenticate a login successfully.

Sync Windows Date and Time

Right-click the clock on the bottom-right corner of your taskbar, select 'Adjust date/time', and click the 'Sync now' button under the Synchronize your clock section.

Open Credential Manager

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

Remove Office Credentials

Click on 'Windows Credentials'. Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' list, locate any entries that start with 'MicrosoftOffice', click the drop-down arrow next to them, and select 'Remove'.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your HP laptop. Open any Microsoft 365 application (like Word or Excel) and try signing in again with your new password.

Clear Windows Cached Credentials and Sync Time

Cache Cleared Successfully: Removing items from the Credential Manager only deletes the saved login memory, not your actual Microsoft account or files.

Solution 2

Add and Sign In with a New Outlook Alias

If account conflicts persist or the system claims your existing email already exists during setup, signing in with a newly created primary email alias can bypass the error.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Hassle-Free Document Editing

If persistent Microsoft 365 login issues and password rejections are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, entirely free alternative that allows you to edit files locally without being locked out by cloud authentication errors.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the setup file.
2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded installer on your HP laptop and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
3. Open Your Files Instantly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without dealing with account sign-in blocks.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Edit, save, and print documents entirely offline without mandatory sign-insFree and lightweight office suite that runs efficiently on older HP laptopsFamiliar tabbed interface ensures zero learning curve when migrating

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my new Microsoft 365 password work on my phone but get rejected on my HP laptop?

This happens because your HP laptop relies on the Windows Credential Manager, which often stores your old password. When you try to sign in, the Office application attempts to use the outdated cached credential behind the scenes, leading to a rejection. Clearing the cache forces the app to accept your new password.

Do I need to buy a new Microsoft 365 subscription if I add a new Outlook alias?

No. Adding a new Outlook alias is completely free and simply links a new email address to your existing Microsoft account. All your subscription details, saved files, and personal settings remain exactly the same.

Can incorrect Windows time settings really cause a password rejection error?

Yes. Microsoft 365 requires a secure connection to its authentication servers. If the system clock on your HP laptop is significantly out of sync with the global time servers, Microsoft's security protocols may reject your sign-in attempt to prevent unauthorized access.

Login & Account Issues