Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft Edge and Office Apps Keeping Asking for Sign-In

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where Microsoft Edge and Office applications continually prompt for Microsoft 365 authentication.

How to Fix Microsoft Edge and Office Apps Repeatedly Asking for Sign-In

Product: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Microsoft Edge
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Opening or using Microsoft Office desktop apps and the Microsoft Edge browser.
Observed behavior: Applications repeatedly display a 'Sign in' prompt, 'Account Error', or 'Fix me' message despite previously entering valid authentication details.

Before you start

Ensure you have your correct Microsoft account credentials on hand and save any open work in your Office applications before modifying your browser or system account settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Prevent Microsoft Edge from Clearing Cookies on Exit

Stop Edge from automatically deleting authentication cookies, which forces you to log back into Microsoft services.

Microsoft Office apps and Windows 10 often share authentication states with Microsoft Edge. If Edge is configured to clear site data when closed, it deletes the session cookies required to keep your Microsoft 365 account signed in, resulting in repeated prompts.

Open Edge Settings

Launch Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to Privacy settings

Click on 'Privacy, search, and services' in the left-hand sidebar.

Adjust clearing behavior

Scroll down to 'Clear browsing data' and click on 'Choose what to clear every time you close the browser'.

Disable cookie deletion

Ensure the toggle switch next to 'Cookies and other site data' is turned off.

Prevent Microsoft Edge from Clearing Cookies on Exit

Verify automatic sign-in: While in the settings, verify that your Edge profile is signed in and syncing correctly to prevent profile-level sign-in prompts.

Solution 2

Reconnect Your Work or School Account in Windows

Remove and re-add your Microsoft account at the Windows system level to refresh corrupted authentication tokens.

Solution 3

Repair Microsoft Office Applications

Run the built-in Office repair tool to fix underlying software glitches causing the sign-in loop.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

Tired of dealing with constant sign-in loops and account errors in Microsoft Office? WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that offers robust editing tools without the frustrating authentication bugs. Enjoy seamless compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in an environment that prioritizes your productivity.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for Windows.
2. Install the Application: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the fast installation.
3. Open Your Office Files: Right-click any DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX file, choose 'Open with WPS Office', and continue your work without sign-in interruptions.

No forced sign-in loops to access essential document editing features.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight architecture ensures fast startup without slowing down your Windows 10 PC.Familiar tabbed interface allows for a zero-learning-curve transition from MS Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook keep saying 'Account Error' or 'Fix me'?

This typically occurs when the cached authentication token on your Windows device expires or becomes corrupted. Clicking 'Fix me' attempts to force the application to request a new security token from Microsoft's servers, but underlying system glitches can sometimes block this process.

Can clearing my browser cache log me out of Office desktop apps?

Yes. If your Windows 10 account relies on Web Account Manager (WAM) linked through Microsoft Edge, configuring Edge to clear cookies or site data automatically upon closing can disrupt the unified sign-in state, prompting Office apps to request your password again.

How do I stop Microsoft Office from asking for my password every time I open it?

You can resolve this by disconnecting your Microsoft account from the 'Access work or school' section in Windows Settings, restarting your computer, and then signing back into the Office application directly. Ensure your browser is not set to clear cookies on exit.

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