Microsoft Account Errors

Fix Old Microsoft Account Name Still Appearing in Apps

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user changed their personal Microsoft account display name online, but the old name continues to appear in certain connected applications like Microsoft Loop.

Product: Microsoft Account / Microsoft Loop
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Updating a Microsoft account display name and attempting to view the changes across connected Microsoft applications.
Observed behavior: Newly created workspaces and applications continue to display the old account name instead of syncing the recently updated display name.

Before you start

Ensure you have successfully updated and saved your new display name at account.microsoft.com before troubleshooting app synchronization issues. Note that Microsoft server changes can sometimes take up to 24-48 hours to fully propagate.

Solution 1Recommended

Force Account Sync by Re-signing In and Clearing Cache

Manually refresh your account credentials and clear local app data to force the new display name to sync across your applications.

Microsoft services often cache user profiles locally to improve loading speeds and reduce server requests. When you change your account name online, these local caches may not update immediately, causing the old name to persist.

Sign out of the affected application

Open the application displaying the old name (e.g., Microsoft Loop), click on your profile picture in the top right corner, and select 'Sign out'.

Clear application and browser caches

If you are using a web-based app, go to your browser settings and clear your cache and cookies. For desktop applications, clear the local app data or completely reinstall the affected app.

Sign back in

Relaunch the application and sign in again with your Microsoft account credentials. The application should fetch the most up-to-date profile data from the server.

Propagation Time: Even after clearing your cache, account changes can sometimes take up to 24 hours to fully propagate across all Microsoft services globally.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience

If you are experiencing ongoing synchronization delays or account issues with Microsoft services, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your productivity is never interrupted by account sync errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the office suite on your device.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open or import your existing Microsoft Office documents without format changes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Independent local account management to avoid complex cloud synchronization delays.Lightweight application that uses minimal system resources.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my old Microsoft account name still show up in Office apps?

Office applications and web services cache profile data locally. If the cache hasn't refreshed or the Microsoft servers haven't finished propagating the change, your old name will remain visible in the app.

How long does it take for a Microsoft account name change to update?

While the change on the Microsoft account website is instant, it can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours for the new display name to fully sync across all connected Microsoft services, apps, and devices.

Does reinstalling the application help update my account name?

Yes, completely uninstalling and reinstalling an affected application clears its local cache and forces it to download your most recent profile data from the server upon your next sign-in.

Will changing my display name affect my email address or login credentials?

No, changing your Microsoft account display name only alters how your name appears to others and within applications. It does not change your underlying email address, password, or login credentials.

Login & Account Issues