Fix Office 2019 Showing Two Microsoft Accounts with the Same Name
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where Office 2019 displays two connected Microsoft accounts with the exact same name, preventing them from switching accounts or accessing specific files. Additionally, the software sometimes incorrectly prompts the user to sign in.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to manage multiple Microsoft accounts or switch between different user profiles within Microsoft Office 2019.
- Observed behavior
- Office 2019 displays duplicate names for different Microsoft accounts and occasionally shows a persistent 'Sign in' prompt in the title bar despite an active account connection.
Ensure you have your correct Microsoft account email addresses and passwords ready before signing out, as you will need them to log back in and verify your account identities.
Verify Email Addresses and Account Aliases in Office
Determine if the accounts use different email addresses or are aliases of the same Microsoft account to resolve the naming confusion.
Often, Office displays the same name for multiple accounts if they are configured as aliases for a single primary Microsoft account. Checking the underlying email address helps differentiate them.
Open any Office 2019 application, such as Word or Excel. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner and select 'Account' from the left sidebar.
Under the 'User Information' section, look closely at the email addresses listed below the identical display names.
Note whether the email addresses are different or if they share the same primary email, which indicates they are account aliases rather than separate accounts.
Sign Out and Reconnect Your Accounts
Fix the persistent 'Sign in' prompt and clear duplicate account display glitches by signing out and re-authenticating.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
If Microsoft Office 2019 account errors and sign-in bugs are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly experience without the hassle of complex account conflicts.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open and Edit Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without needing complex account setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Office 2019 keep asking me to sign in when I already am?
This usually happens due to a synchronization glitch, an expired authentication token, or conflicting account credentials cached in Windows. Signing out of all accounts under File > Account and signing back in often resolves the issue.
What is a Microsoft account alias?
An alias is an additional email address associated with your primary Microsoft account. It uses the same inbox, contact list, and account settings, which is why Office may display the same display name twice if multiple aliases are connected.
How do I remove a duplicate account from Office 2019?
Go to File > Account, locate the duplicate entry under User Information, and click 'Sign out'. If the account persists after restarting Office, you may need to remove it from your Windows OS settings by navigating to Windows Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts.
