Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix a Blank Microsoft 365 Sign-In Window in Word or Excel

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to log into Microsoft 365 applications because the authentication window appears completely blank.

How to Fix a Blank Microsoft 365 Sign-In Window in Word or Excel

Product: Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel)
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to Microsoft Word or Excel to activate the software or access cloud-based features.
Observed behavior: A completely blank white or black sign-in window is displayed, preventing the user from entering their credentials or completing the login process.

Before you start

Ensure all Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, are completely closed. You will also need administrator privileges on your Windows account to run the necessary troubleshooting commands.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the Microsoft Account Broker Plugin and Internet Settings

This is the most effective solution for resolving sign-in window rendering issues caused by corrupted Windows authentication components or underlying network settings.

The blank screen is often caused by a stalled or corrupted Microsoft Azure Active Directory (AAD) Broker Plugin. Resetting this package via PowerShell, alongside resetting underlying Internet settings, typically forces the sign-in window to render correctly.

Open PowerShell as Administrator

Right-click the Windows Start button and select 'Windows PowerShell (Admin)' or 'Terminal (Admin)' from the context menu.

Reset the AAD Broker Plugin

In the PowerShell window, type the following command exactly and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin* | Reset-AppxPackage

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Click the Start menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.

Reset Internet Settings

In the Command Prompt window, type 'RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ResetIEtoDefaults' and press Enter to reset the system's underlying internet configurations.

Restart and Test

Restart your Windows computer, then open Word or Excel and attempt to sign in again.

Reset the Microsoft Account Broker Plugin and Internet Settings

Command Execution: If the PowerShell command executes successfully, it will return to the next prompt line without displaying any error messages.

Solution 2

Create a New Local Administrator Profile

Use this method if resetting the broker plugin fails. A corrupted Windows user profile can block Office authentication components from working properly.

Solution 3

Convert Local Account to a Microsoft Account

If you are currently using a local Windows account, converting it to a Microsoft account can automatically resolve Office authentication blocks.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If persistent Microsoft 365 sign-in issues and AAD Broker Plugin errors are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with high compatibility for all your document needs, without the complex account broker dependencies that cause blank sign-in screens.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without needing complex account synchronization.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Bypasses complex Windows profile and AAD Broker dependencies for a seamless, immediate start.Lightweight software that installs quickly and runs smoothly on all Windows versions.Familiar tabbed user interface, ensuring a zero learning curve when migrating from Microsoft Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft 365 sign-in screen completely blank?

A blank sign-in screen is typically caused by a corrupted Microsoft Azure Active Directory (AAD) Broker Plugin, misconfigured system Internet settings, or a corrupted Windows user profile that fails to render web-based login prompts.

Will resetting Internet settings via Command Prompt delete my browser bookmarks?

No. Running the 'ResetIEtoDefaults' command only resets the underlying Windows internet configurations utilized by background system components like the Office sign-in prompt. It will not delete your personal bookmarks, history, or saved passwords in modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

How do I move my files if I have to create a new Windows user profile?

You can transfer your personal files by opening File Explorer, navigating to 'C:\Users\[YourOldUsername]', and copying your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and Pictures folders to an external drive. You can then paste them into the corresponding folders in your new user profile.

Can I use Word or Excel offline if the sign-in screen remains blank?

If Microsoft 365 is requiring a subscription check or initial activation, you may be locked out of editing features until you successfully sign in. Resolving the blank screen is necessary to authenticate your license and regain full offline editing capabilities.

Login & Account Issues