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Fix Office 2021 Repeated Sign-In Requests and Account Errors
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Office 2021 constantly prompts for a password and displays an account error, despite reinstalling and clearing credentials.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to use Microsoft Office 2021 applications normally after a recent system or software update.
- Observed behavior
- The Office application repeatedly requests the user's password and displays an account error. Reinstalling the software and checking stored credentials does not stop the loop.
Ensure you are connected to a stable internet connection and have your official Microsoft account credentials ready before troubleshooting licensing and sign-in loops.
Install Latest Office Updates and Submit Feedback
Since this sign-in loop is frequently caused by a known bug in recent Microsoft updates, installing the latest patches or reporting it to Microsoft developers is the most effective approach.
Microsoft occasionally releases updates that inadvertently cause authentication glitches. Forcing a manual update check can pull down a hotfix if one has been released.
If no fix is available yet, reporting the bug via the Feedback Hub helps Microsoft prioritize the resolution.
Launch any Office 2021 application such as Word or Excel. Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Account' (or 'Office Account') from the bottom left menu.
Under the Product Information section, click the 'Update Options' button and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu to check for and install the latest patches.
If the issue persists after updating, open the Windows Start menu, type 'Feedback Hub', and submit the error details so the Microsoft development team can investigate the product issue.
Verify Your Device License Limitations
Ensure you have not exceeded the allowed number of active devices for your specific Office 2021 license, which typically causes authentication rejections.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If Office 2021 continues to lock you out with repeated sign-in requests and unresolved update bugs, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative without strict single-device sign-in blocks.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite on your Windows PC.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Right-click your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files and choose to open them directly in WPS Office with full formatting retained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Office 2021 keep asking for my password?
This recurring issue is usually caused by corrupted cached credentials, an outdated version of the Office suite, or a known bug in a recent Microsoft update that fails to authenticate your local license.
Can I use one Office 2021 license on two computers simultaneously?
No. Standard Office 2021 licenses are permanently assigned to a single device. If you attempt to activate or use it on a second computer without purchasing an additional license, you will encounter activation errors and repeated sign-in prompts.
How do I clear my stored Office credentials in Windows?
You can clear corrupted caches by opening the Windows Start menu, searching for 'Credential Manager', clicking on 'Windows Credentials', and manually removing any entries that begin with 'MicrosoftOffice'.
What should I do if reinstalling Office 2021 doesn't fix the account error?
If a full reinstallation does not resolve the loop, the issue is likely a bug on Microsoft's server end or within the latest software build. Ensure your system is fully updated, upvote the issue in the Windows Feedback Hub, and wait for a patch from Microsoft.
