Fix Repeated Sign-In Prompts When Opening Teams or SharePoint Files
Question details
Users experience an endless authentication loop, being repeatedly asked for their username and password when trying to open files from Teams or SharePoint in their local desktop applications.
- Product
- Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clicking 'Open in Desktop App' to view or edit a document hosted on Teams or SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- The application repeatedly requests login credentials and fails to open the file directly, forcing users to download and re-upload the file as a temporary workaround.
Make sure you know your actual Microsoft account password. Relying solely on your Windows Hello PIN will not resolve this specific authentication loop.
Sign In Using the Account Password Instead of Windows PIN
Bypass the repeating sign-in loop by authenticating with your actual Microsoft account password rather than relying on the Windows PIN.
When launching files from cloud platforms like Teams or SharePoint to a local desktop app, the system sometimes fails to pass the Windows PIN authentication token properly. Manually entering the Microsoft account password forces a fresh, valid authentication token and resolves the loop.
In Microsoft Teams or SharePoint, select 'Open in Desktop App' to intentionally trigger the Microsoft Office sign-in dialog.
When the credentials window appears and asks for your Windows PIN, look for and click on 'Sign-in options' or 'Use a password instead'.
Type the exact Microsoft account username and the account password used to sign in to the computer. Do not enter the numeric Windows PIN.
Experience Hassle-Free File Editing with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with endless sign-in prompts and sync issues in Microsoft Office desktop apps? Switch to WPS Office, a lightweight, free alternative that offers seamless local file editing without recurring authentication loops.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, complete the quick setup process, and open WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your Files: Download your files from Teams or SharePoint and open them seamlessly in WPS Office without dealing with recurring password prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office keep asking for my password when opening SharePoint files?
This often occurs due to cached credentials expiring or a mismatch between the token provided by a Windows PIN and the authentication required by the SharePoint server. Using your actual account password usually forces a proper sync.
Can I just download the file to avoid the sign-in loop entirely?
Yes, downloading the file to your local drive, editing it, and then uploading it back to Teams or SharePoint is a common and effective workaround when desktop app authentication fails.
How do I clear cached credentials to stop the login prompts?
You can open the Windows Credential Manager, navigate to 'Windows Credentials', and remove any saved credentials related to Microsoft Office or Teams. Afterward, restart your app and sign in again with your password.
