Fix Office 365 Account Error: Sign-In Prompt Keeps Appearing
Question details
The user is experiencing a continuous sign-in loop across all Microsoft 365 applications despite having a valid Office 365 E5 license.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Office 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Accessing and authenticating desktop applications using an active Microsoft 365 E5 license.
- Observed behavior
- An account error repeatedly prompts the user to sign in, but entering the correct credentials does not resolve the warning message.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer to modify registry settings and access the Windows Credential Manager. Verify that your Office 365 E5 subscription is active in your Microsoft online portal before proceeding.
Clear Credentials and Reset Office Identity
Remove corrupted cached credentials and reset the Office Identity registry folder to force a clean authentication state.
Corrupted cached credentials in Windows are the most common cause of repetitive Office sign-in prompts.
Save your work and close all running Microsoft Office applications.
Open the Start menu, search for 'Credential Manager', and select 'Windows Credentials'. Locate any entries starting with 'MicrosoftOffice', expand them, and click 'Remove'.
Press Win + R, type 'regedit', and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Identity. Right-click the Identity folder to export a backup, then delete the folder entirely. Restart your PC and sign in to Office again.
Use the Microsoft OLicenseCleanup Tool
Automatically clear activation states and resolve deep-rooted Office licensing conflicts using Microsoft's official script.
Disable Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL)
Force Office to use an alternative authentication method if modern authentication is causing the loop.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience
If Microsoft 365 activation errors and sign-in loops continue to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative without the complex licensing headaches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install the software: Run the lightweight installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Open your existing Microsoft Office files directly in WPS Office without needing complex account authentications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Office 365 account keep asking me to sign in?
This usually happens when the cached login credentials in the Windows Credential Manager become corrupted, or when there is a synchronization issue with Microsoft's activation servers.
Will deleting the Office Identity registry key delete my documents?
No, modifying or deleting the Office Identity registry folder only clears your local account login state. Your actual documents, spreadsheets, and cloud files remain completely safe.
What should I do if OLicenseCleanup does not fix the sign-in loop?
If Microsoft's scripts and registry fixes fail, the issue may be strictly related to your organization's Azure Active Directory authentication. You should contact your IT admin to open a direct support request with Microsoft.
