Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix OneDrive Sign-In Window Closes Automatically on Windows 11

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign into OneDrive because the authentication window disappears instantly upon opening.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to OneDrive from the taskbar icon on a new laptop.
Observed behavior: The sign-in window closes immediately without asking for credentials or displaying any synchronization options.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows 11 system is fully updated and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software that might be blocking the OneDrive authentication process.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Desktop App

Resetting OneDrive clears its internal cache and can resolve unexpected crashes or sign-in loop issues.

A corrupted local cache often causes the OneDrive application interface to crash before it can load the sign-in web wrapper. A complete reset forces the app to rebuild this configuration.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run command window.

Execute the reset command

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' into the box and press Enter.

Wait for restart

Wait a few minutes for the OneDrive cloud icon to disappear and reappear in your system tray taskbar.

Launch manually if needed

If the icon does not reappear automatically, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and click to launch it, then attempt to sign in.

Solution 2

Test with a New Local Windows Profile

If resetting doesn't work, testing on a new local account helps determine if your current Windows user profile is corrupted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive close immediately after clicking sign in?

This usually happens due to a corrupted OneDrive cache, conflicting background applications, or a damaged Windows user profile that prevents the authentication window from loading properly.

Will resetting OneDrive delete any of my locally stored files?

No, resetting the OneDrive app only clears its configuration and synchronization cache. Your files remain safely stored in the cloud and untouched within your local OneDrive folder.

How do I contact Microsoft Support if the issue persists?

You can reach Microsoft Support by opening the 'Get Help' app built into Windows 11, briefly describing your OneDrive sign-in issue, and following the prompts to chat with a support agent.

Login & Account Issues