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Fix OneNote Sign-In Problems on Windows PC
Question details
The user is experiencing a recurring sign-in issue with OneNote on a specific Windows PC, preventing them from accessing their notebooks despite the account working on other devices.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign into OneNote and open synced notebooks on a Windows desktop.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote repeatedly prompts the user for a password or verification code in a continuous loop and fails to open the requested notebooks.
Before troubleshooting, verify whether your Microsoft account is a personal or work/school account, and ensure you have a stable internet connection. If you have any unsynced notes currently open, it is recommended to manually back them up by copying the text into a local document.
Clear Saved Office Credentials in Windows
This is the most common fix for sign-in loops. It removes corrupted or outdated saved passwords that Windows might be improperly feeding to OneNote.
Press the Windows key, type 'Credential Manager' into the search bar, and hit Enter to launch the Control Panel tool.
Click on the 'Windows Credentials' tab to view a list of all local passwords and authentication tokens saved on your PC.
Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section. Look for any entries that begin with 'MicrosoftOffice'. Click the drop-down arrow next to each one and select 'Remove'. Once finished, restart OneNote and sign in again.
Repair Your Microsoft 365 Installation
Use this method if clearing credentials does not work, as corrupted Microsoft 365 application files may be causing authentication to fail.
Reset Office Settings via Registry Editor
This advanced method forces Microsoft Office to completely rebuild its configuration and identity settings from scratch.
Avoid Sign-In Loops with WPS Office
If you are tired of troubleshooting recurring Microsoft 365 credential issues and complex sync bugs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, reliable suite for all your document and productivity needs without mandatory cloud sign-ins.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the latest version.
- 2. Install on Your PC: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite on your Windows device.
- 3. Edit Files Instantly: Launch WPS Office to immediately view, create, and edit all your standard Office documents without worrying about account sync interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote keep asking for my password on just one device?
This is typically caused by a cached credential conflict in the Windows Credential Manager. The system tries to use an outdated or corrupted authentication token for OneNote, resulting in a continuous loop even if your password is correct.
Will repairing Microsoft 365 delete my local notebooks?
No. Running a Quick Repair or Online Repair from Windows Settings only replaces and fixes the core application files and registry keys. Your personal notebooks, documents, and user data remain safe.
How do I know if my OneNote account is personal or work-related?
Work or school accounts are typically assigned by an organization (e.g., yourname@company.com) and use specialized enterprise logins. Personal accounts are created directly by you using Microsoft domains like Outlook.com, Hotmail, or a linked third-party email. You can verify your account type by logging into office.com.
What should I do if resetting the registry doesn't fix the sign-in issue?
If registry modifications do not work, the issue may be tied to a corrupted Windows user profile. You can try creating a new local administrator account on your Windows PC and signing into OneNote from that new profile.
