Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Clear OneDrive Token and Authentication Cache

Bushra Parveen Oct 9, 2026 874 views

Question details

The user needs to clear outdated authentication data that OneDrive and other Microsoft applications continue to use even after the browser cache is cleared.

How to Clear the OneDrive Token and Authentication Cache

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in or sync files with a new or updated Microsoft account, but the system keeps reverting to old authentication tokens.
Observed behavior: The application fails to prompt for new credentials or continuously experiences login conflicts because it relies on stale authentication cache data.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure that all Microsoft Office applications and the OneDrive sync client are fully closed to prevent file conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting OneDrive clears its local cache files and forces the application to rebuild its authentication state.

This method is highly effective for resolving deep-rooted cache issues that standard browser clearing cannot reach.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run command window.

Execute the reset command

Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset into the text box and press Enter.

Restart OneDrive

Wait for the OneDrive cloud icon to disappear and reappear in your system tray. If it does not reappear after a few minutes, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it manually.

Data Safety: Resetting OneDrive only clears the application's configuration and cache data. It does not delete or modify any of your actual files stored in the cloud or on your local drive.

Solution 2

Unlink and Relink Your Account

Unlinking your PC removes the current connection token, allowing you to establish a fresh authentication session.

Solution 3

Clear Windows Credential Manager

Removing stored credentials directly from Windows prevents Microsoft apps from fetching old passwords.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will unlinking my OneDrive account delete my local or cloud files?

No. Unlinking your PC only stops the background synchronization process and clears the local authentication connection token. All your files remain completely safe in the cloud and in your local OneDrive folder.

Why does OneDrive still use old credentials after clearing my browser cache?

OneDrive uses dedicated system-level authentication tokens stored in the Windows Credential Manager and local application data folders. These are entirely separate from web browser caches like Edge or Chrome.

What should I do if resetting OneDrive doesn't fix the login loop?

If resetting OneDrive doesn't work, you should open the Windows Credential Manager, navigate to Windows Credentials, and manually delete any generic credentials associated with Microsoft Office or OneDrive.

Login & Account Issues