Microsoft Account Errors

How to Change the Microsoft Account Used by File Explorer

Rana Garcia Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to change or remove an inaccessible Microsoft account that repeatedly triggers sign-in prompts within File Explorer.

How to Change the Microsoft Account Used by File Explorer

Product: Windows File Explorer
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Navigating folders or accessing synced directories in Windows where an outdated account connection causes continuous authentication requests.
Observed behavior: File Explorer repeatedly requests login credentials for an old or inaccessible Microsoft account, blocking seamless navigation.

Before you start

Verify whether the sign-in prompt is specifically originating from File Explorer or a web browser, and ensure you have the credentials for the correct Microsoft account you wish to use.

Solution 1Recommended

Disconnect the Old Account from OneDrive

Since File Explorer integrates heavily with OneDrive, an outdated OneDrive sync connection is the most common cause of these prompts.

When an old Microsoft account is still linked to the OneDrive desktop app, File Explorer will repeatedly ask for its credentials to sync the pinned folders. Unlinking the old account allows you to add the correct one.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar), click the gear icon for 'Help & Settings', and select 'Settings'.

Unlink the PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab within the OneDrive settings window. Click on the 'Unlink this PC' link.

Sign In with the Correct Account

Once unlinked, the OneDrive setup screen will appear. Enter the email address and password for your current, accessible Microsoft account to re-establish the connection in File Explorer.

Local Files Are Safe: Unlinking your OneDrive account will not delete any locally downloaded files or data from your computer; it only stops the synchronization process for the old account.

Solution 2

Remove Saved Credentials in Windows Credential Manager

Clear outdated Microsoft account passwords that Windows has saved, which may be automatically triggering the failing authentication requests.

Solution 3

Remove the Account from Windows Settings

Ensure the inaccessible Microsoft account is completely unlinked from your overall Windows user profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does File Explorer keep asking for my old Microsoft account?

This usually occurs because an old OneDrive folder is still pinned and attempting to sync in File Explorer, or because outdated authentication tokens are stored in the Windows Credential Manager.

Will removing saved credentials delete my Microsoft account?

No. Deleting entries from the Windows Credential Manager only removes the saved password from your local computer. It does not delete the actual Microsoft account or any data stored in the cloud.

What if the Microsoft account prompt is appearing in my web browser instead of File Explorer?

If the prompt is browser-based, File Explorer troubleshooting will not resolve it. Instead, you should clear your browser's saved passwords, log out of the old account on Microsoft's website, or create a separate browser profile for your new account.

Login & Account Issues