Fix Word or Excel White Screen During Sign-in
Question details
The user is unable to sign in to Microsoft Word or Excel due to a blank white screen appearing during the authentication process.

- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to log into Office applications using a college-provided Microsoft 365 account.
- Observed behavior
- The sign-in window displays a solid white screen, preventing the user from entering credentials or accessing the application, even after reinstalling the software.
Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet connection and temporarily disable any active VPNs or proxy services, as they can sometimes interfere with the Microsoft authentication window.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant
Run Microsoft's dedicated troubleshooting tool designed to automatically diagnose and fix Office sign-in problems.
Since reinstalling Microsoft 365 does not clear all cached credentials or registry settings, the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) is the most effective tool to resolve deep-rooted authentication bugs.
Navigate to the official Microsoft support website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) application.
Open the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen prompts to install and launch the application on your computer.
In the SaRA interface, select 'Office' from the list of products, click 'Next', and then choose the option specifically related to sign-in or authentication issues.
Follow the automated prompts to allow the tool to detect, troubleshoot, and automatically resolve the white screen error.

Gather Details and Contact College IT Administrator
Collect specific error details and reach out to your institution's IT department, as school-provided accounts often have organizational restrictions.
Try WPS Office to Avoid Account Sign-in Hassles
If you are locked out of your documents due to Microsoft 365 sign-in issues, WPS Office offers a lightweight, free alternative that does not require a complex organizational login to get started. You can easily view, edit, and create documents seamlessly.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Word or Excel documents.
- 3. Edit without interruption: Enjoy full format compatibility and start editing your work immediately without dealing with blank sign-in screens.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word show a white screen when I try to sign in?
A white screen during sign-in usually indicates a network connectivity issue, a glitch in the local authentication cache, or interference from third-party antivirus or VPN software blocking the login window from rendering correctly.
Can I clear the Office credential cache to fix the blank login screen?
Yes, clearing credentials can help. Open the Windows Credential Manager, navigate to 'Windows Credentials', look for any entries starting with 'MicrosoftOffice', and remove them before trying to sign in again.
Does reinstalling Microsoft 365 fix the white screen login issue?
Reinstalling Microsoft 365 often does not resolve this specific issue, as the problem is usually tied to cached user data or network restrictions rather than corrupted application files. Using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant is generally a more effective approach.




