Fix OneDrive Repeatedly Asking for Sign-In and Not Saving Files
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where OneDrive cannot save files due to continuous Microsoft account sign-in prompts.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Saving files and authenticating cloud storage
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly asks for user sign-in credentials and fails to successfully save or sync files.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account email and password ready, as you will need to log back in after clearing the cached credentials.
Clear Windows Credentials and Reset OneDrive
Resolve authentication loops by removing corrupted Microsoft cached credentials from Windows and resetting the OneDrive client.
Corrupted authentication tokens in the Windows Credential Manager often cause persistent login prompts. Deleting these credentials forces OneDrive to generate a fresh, working token and restores your ability to save files.
Press the Windows key, type 'Credential Manager' into the search bar, and select the application from the search results to open it.
Click on 'Windows Credentials', scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section, find any entries containing 'OneDrive Cached Credential', and click 'Remove'.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Copy and paste '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' into the box and press Enter.
Open OneDrive from your Start menu and sign in again with your Microsoft account credentials to resume saving and syncing your files.
Clear macOS Keychain Credentials and Reset OneDrive
Fix login loops on a Mac by clearing outdated OneDrive passwords from the macOS Keychain Access utility.
Experience Reliable File Saving with WPS Office
If persistent OneDrive sign-in prompts are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, seamless document editing experience with highly reliable built-in cloud storage and excellent compatibility with all Microsoft file formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create or sign in to your WPS account to automatically activate your free cloud storage space.
- 3. Save and Sync Automatically: Create your documents and hit save. WPS Cloud instantly syncs your work across all your devices securely without repetitive sign-in prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive repeatedly ask for my password?
This occurs when the authentication tokens stored on your computer become corrupted, expired, or out of sync with Microsoft's servers. This prevents OneDrive from completing its background verification, leading to continuous password prompts.
Will resetting OneDrive delete my saved files?
No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears its application settings and restarts the sync process. All your local files and files stored in the cloud will remain completely safe and untouched.
How do I know if my OneDrive is syncing properly again?
Once you have signed back in, check the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). A solid blue or white cloud indicates it is up to date, while circling arrows mean it is currently processing and syncing your files.
