Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix OneDrive Keeps Signing Out and SharePoint Files Inaccessible

Jason Miller Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing recurring sign-outs from OneDrive and are unable to access shared SharePoint files through File Explorer.

Fix OneDrive Keeps Signing Out and SharePoint Files Inaccessible

Product: OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: Windows 10 and Windows 11
Scenario: Accessing and syncing shared SharePoint files locally via File Explorer in an office environment.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive client repeatedly signs users out, breaking the local sync and making SharePoint files inaccessible locally, even though files remain available online.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows device before modifying system credentials or uninstalling applications, and verify your files are safely backed up on the web version of OneDrive.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Credentials and Clean Reinstall OneDrive

This solution clears corrupted credentials and cached data that typically cause recurring sign-out and sync issues.

Often, conflicting Windows credentials or a corrupted local cache can force OneDrive into a continuous sign-out loop. Removing these old credentials and reinstalling the latest production client can re-establish a stable connection to SharePoint.

Uninstall the OneDrive Client

Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Search for Microsoft OneDrive, click on it, and select Uninstall.

Clear the Local OneDrive Cache

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft' and press Enter. Locate the 'OneDrive' folder and either delete it or rename it to 'OneDrive.old'.

Remove Stored Credentials

Open the Windows Control Panel and navigate to User Accounts > Credential Manager. Click on 'Windows Credentials' and remove all entries related to 'OneDrive' or 'MicrosoftOffice'.

Reinstall and Restart

Restart your computer. Then, download the latest production version of the OneDrive client from the official Microsoft website, install it, and sign back in with your Microsoft 365 account.

Clear Credentials and Clean Reinstall OneDrive

Escalate to Administrator: If the issue persists after a clean installation, ask your Microsoft 365 administrator to open a support ticket with Microsoft to analyze the OneDrive sync logs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless File Management

If Microsoft 365 and OneDrive sync issues are interrupting your daily work, consider WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own reliable cloud storage for seamless document management.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Open the WPS Office application and log in to activate your free WPS Cloud storage for reliable file syncing.
3. Open Your Documents: Directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files and continue your work without formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Built-in WPS Cloud ensures stable, hassle-free file syncing and sharing.Lightweight installation that won't consume heavy system resources.Free to use with a familiar, tabbed interface for easy migration.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep asking me to sign in?

This is usually caused by corrupted stored credentials in Windows, conflicts with recent Windows updates, or a corrupted local OneDrive cache preventing continuous authentication.

How can I access my SharePoint files while OneDrive is broken?

You can access your files by logging into the Microsoft 365 web portal in your browser and navigating directly to SharePoint. Your files remain safe online even if local sync is failing.

Will clearing the OneDrive cache delete my files?

No, deleting the local cache or renaming the OneDrive folder in AppData only removes temporary sync data. Your actual files stored in the cloud are unaffected and will sync again once the client is fixed.

How do I access the Windows Credential Manager?

Click the Start button, type 'Credential Manager', and select the matching Control Panel app. From there, click on 'Windows Credentials' to view and manage your saved passwords.

Login & Account Issues