How to Fix Excel Microsoft Account Sign-In and No Network Connection Errors
Question details
The user is unable to sign into their Microsoft account in Excel and is experiencing persistent network connection errors, alongside an ongoing OneDrive sign-in failure with a continuous loading wheel.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to authenticate a Microsoft 365 account within Excel and sync files with OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a 'not signed in' status and a 'No Network Connection' error. The OneDrive sign-in window gets stuck on a continuous loading wheel and never completes the process.
Ensure you have your correct Microsoft 365 account email and password ready, and verify that your computer has an active, stable internet connection by loading a standard webpage.
Clear Office Entries in Windows Credential Manager
This is the most effective method for resolving corrupted or expired login tokens that block Microsoft 365 and OneDrive from connecting to Microsoft servers.
Often, background authentication tokens become corrupted, causing Excel to think it lacks a network connection. Deleting these cached credentials forces Excel to establish a fresh connection.
Open Excel, navigate to File > Account, and select Sign Out of Microsoft 365. Ignore any 'Fix' buttons and do not try signing back in immediately. Close Excel completely.
Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' into the search bar, and press Enter to open the utility.
Select 'Windows Credentials'. Scroll down to locate any saved entries that mention 'Office' or 'Microsoft 365'. Click on the drop-down arrow next to each relevant entry and select 'Remove'.
Restart your computer to ensure all background Office services are cleared. Open Excel, go back to File > Account, and select Sign In to re-enter your credentials.
Test Network Configuration and Alternate Browsers
Use this method to determine if the 'No Network Connection' error is caused by a system-wide internet drop or localized browser caching issues.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Account Login Hassles
If persistent Microsoft 365 sign-in loops and mandatory network checks are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides powerful spreadsheet editing capabilities offline, without forcing constant account authentication.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files directly—no online account authentication is required to start editing locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel say 'No Network Connection' when my internet is working?
This happens when Excel encounters an internal authentication error while trying to reach Microsoft's servers. Instead of displaying a specific login error, it misinterprets the failed handshake as a general lack of network connectivity. Clearing your Office credentials usually resolves this.
What should I do if the OneDrive sign-in displays a continuous loading wheel?
A spinning loading wheel indicates that the sign-in window is blocked from completing the authentication loop. This is typically fixed by completely signing out of your Microsoft Office apps, deleting old credentials via the Windows Credential Manager, and restarting your PC.
Can I use Microsoft Excel without signing into a Microsoft account?
If you are using the subscription-based Microsoft 365 version of Excel, periodic sign-ins are mandatory to verify your active license. If you cannot sign in, editing features will eventually be disabled. For completely offline editing without account mandates, consider alternatives like WPS Office.
