Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft Word Stuck in a Sign-In Loop on Windows

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where Microsoft Word continuously requests account credentials on a new computer, even though their Microsoft 365 license functions properly on other devices.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to activate and use Microsoft Word on a new computer.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word gets stuck in a continuous loop, repeatedly prompting the user to sign in without ever successfully completing the authentication process.

Before you start

Ensure you know your correct Microsoft 365 email and password, and verify that your computer is connected to a stable internet network before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Office Entries in Windows Credential Manager

Removing corrupted or outdated Microsoft 365 login tokens from Windows can instantly break the sign-in loop and allow Word to authenticate properly.

Windows stores your login information in the Credential Manager. Sometimes, old or corrupted Office credentials conflict with new sign-in attempts, causing Word to request your password repeatedly.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' into the search bar, and press Enter to launch the utility.

Locate Microsoft Credentials

Navigate to both the 'Windows Credentials' and 'Web Credentials' tabs. Scroll through the lists to find any entries containing 'Office', 'MicrosoftAccount', or 'Microsoft 365'.

Remove Outdated Entries

Click on the identified Microsoft or Office credentials to expand them, then click 'Remove' to delete them from your system.

Restart Microsoft Word

Close all Office applications, reopen Microsoft Word, and enter your account credentials to perform a fresh sign-in.

Select Credentials Carefully: Only delete credentials specifically related to Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 to avoid losing saved passwords for other applications or websites.

Solution 2

Reinstall Microsoft 365 and Test a New User Profile

If clearing credentials does not resolve the issue, reinstalling the software or testing a new local Windows account can fix deeper profile or software corruption.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience

If Microsoft Word login issues continue to disrupt your workflow, switch to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free Office suite that doesn't force you into endless subscription or sign-in loops just to edit your files.

1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents to continue working immediately, without format loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Edit local files instantly without mandatory online account verification or sign-in loops.Lightweight installation that runs fast and saves system resources, even on older computers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Word stuck in a sign-in loop on my new computer?

This typically occurs because Windows has cached outdated, corrupted, or conflicting Microsoft account credentials in the background. When Word tries to authenticate, these bad credentials interrupt the process, forcing the application to ask for your password repeatedly.

Will reinstalling Microsoft 365 delete my existing Word documents?

No, uninstalling or reinstalling the Microsoft 365 application only removes the software files. Your personal documents are safely stored on your local hard drive or in OneDrive and will remain completely unaffected.

Can a poor internet connection cause the Word sign-in loop?

Yes, an unstable, restricted, or slow network connection can prevent Microsoft Word from securely verifying your credentials with Microsoft's servers, which can sometimes manifest as a continuous sign-in loop.

Login & Account Issues