Fix Microsoft 365 Repeated Sign-In Requests for OneDrive Files
Question details
Users are experiencing continuous authentication prompts and an Upload Failed message when opening or saving Excel files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening, editing, or saving Excel files stored on OneDrive or SharePoint using desktop Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The application repeatedly asks the user to sign in and displays an Upload Failed warning, even though document changes might actually be saving successfully.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that you know the correct login credentials for the specific Microsoft 365 account causing the issue.
Remove and Reconnect the Microsoft 365 Account
Re-authenticating your account from scratch can resolve credential conflicts, especially when using multiple personal and business accounts on one device.
When multiple OneDrive accounts are connected to the same Windows profile, Microsoft 365 can sometimes struggle to authenticate the correct token, leading to a constant sign-in loop.
Open Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Under 'User Information', find the account experiencing the issue and click 'Sign out'.
Completely close Excel and any other running Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) to ensure the session ends.
Reopen Excel, navigate back to 'File' > 'Account', and click 'Sign In'. Enter your email and password to reconnect your Microsoft 365 account.
Clear Office Credentials in Windows
Clearing old or corrupted cached credentials in Windows can forcefully stop the repeated sign-in loops.
Check File Permissions and Browser Settings
Incorrect file-sharing permissions or strict browser restrictions can block the background authentication tokens Microsoft 365 relies on.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
Tired of dealing with constant sign-in loops and syncing errors in Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a lightweight, completely free alternative that seamlessly handles all your local and cloud documents without frustrating authentication bugs. Enjoy high compatibility with Microsoft formats in a familiar, intuitive interface.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software, then open WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Simply drag and drop your existing Excel, Word, or PowerPoint files into WPS Office to start editing immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel say Upload Failed even though I am signed in?
This usually happens when there is a mismatch or corruption between the cached credentials on your local device and the active session on the OneDrive server. Clearing the Windows Credential Manager typically resolves this syncing conflict.
Can multiple OneDrive accounts cause sign-in loops in Microsoft 365?
Yes. Having multiple business and personal OneDrive accounts linked on the same computer can confuse the Microsoft 365 authentication process, leading it to repeatedly ask for credentials to verify which account is accessing the file.
Will I lose my unsaved data if I sign out to fix this issue?
If you are experiencing an Upload Failed error, any changes you made might not be synced to the cloud. You should use 'Save As' to save a local copy of your file to your desktop or documents folder before signing out to ensure no data is lost.
