Fix Repeated Windows Security Prompts for an Old Email in Excel
Question details
Excel continuously prompts the user with a Windows Security pop-up asking for the password of an old or outdated email address.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening Microsoft Excel or attempting to connect to a network location or cloud service within the application.
- Observed behavior
- A Windows Security dialog box repeatedly appears, requesting login credentials for a previously used email account, preventing normal workflow.
Ensure you have the correct email address and password for your current Microsoft account handy, as you will need them to sign back into your Office applications.
Clear Old Credentials from Windows Credential Manager
Deleting outdated login tokens from Windows Credential Manager is the most effective way to stop Excel from trying to authenticate with an old email address.
Windows stores your app and network passwords in a secure location called Credential Manager. When you change your Microsoft account or password, old credentials can sometimes get stuck, causing Excel to continuously prompt for them.
Click the Start menu, type 'Credential Manager' into the Windows search bar, and press Enter to open the application.
In the Credential Manager window, click on the 'Windows Credentials' tab to view your saved network and application passwords.
Scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section. Look for any entries that begin with 'MicrosoftOffice' or contain your old email address. Click the downward arrow next to the entry to expand it, and click 'Remove'.
Restart your computer. Open Excel, click on 'File' > 'Account', and sign in using your current, correct Microsoft account credentials.
Update and Repair Microsoft Office
If clearing credentials does not resolve the security prompts, updating or repairing the Office installation can fix underlying authentication glitches.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Experience
Tired of dealing with complicated account login issues, constant security prompts, and expensive subscriptions? WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It allows you to open, edit, and save your spreadsheets seamlessly without being forced into complex cloud authentication loops.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the software on your PC.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Right-click your existing Excel files, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to start working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel keep asking for my old password?
This happens when outdated login tokens are still cached in the Windows Credential Manager, or when Excel is trying to sync with a connected service (like OneDrive or SharePoint) that was originally set up using your old email address.
Will clearing Windows Credentials delete my Excel files?
No. The Windows Credential Manager only stores saved passwords and authentication tokens. Deleting these entries will not affect your local or cloud-saved Excel spreadsheets. It only forces the application to ask for your password again.
How do I completely switch Microsoft accounts in Excel?
To switch accounts, open Excel and go to File > Account. Under User Information, click 'Sign out'. Then, click 'Sign in' and enter the email address and password for the new account you wish to use.
What should I do if the prompt keeps returning after a restart?
If the prompt returns, disconnect your old work or school account from Windows. Go to Windows Settings > Accounts > Access work or school, select the old email account, and click 'Disconnect'.
