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Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix Excel Stuck on Signing In and Cloud Upload Issues

Emma BrownEmma Brown Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to access their Microsoft Excel accounts or sync files because the application freezes during the sign-in process and cloud uploads fail.

How to Fix Excel Stuck on Signing In and Cloud Upload Issues
Product
Microsoft Excel
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to log into an Office account within Excel or trying to sync and upload a newly edited spreadsheet to Microsoft Cloud services.
Observed behavior
Excel remains infinitely stuck on the signing-in prompt, and spreadsheet cloud uploads remain pending or fail completely.
Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is currently active, as expired licenses often trigger authentication loops.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Office Applications

Installing the latest Microsoft 365 updates can resolve known bugs that cause sign-in freezes and cloud upload failures.

Microsoft frequently releases patches for Office applications to fix authentication and syncing bugs. Forcing a manual update can bypass the glitch causing Excel to hang.

1
Open an Office Application

Launch Microsoft Word or another Office application that is currently working and not stuck on a sign-in screen.

2
Navigate to Account Settings

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu pane.

3
Trigger the Update

Under the Product Information section, click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' from the dropdown menu.

4
Restart Excel

Wait for the updates to download and install completely. Once finished, restart your computer and open Excel to see if the sign-in issue is resolved.

Update Microsoft Office Applications
Check Recent Changes: If the issue continues after updating, check whether the sign-in problem began immediately after a recent Windows update or network configuration change.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Syncing

Tired of dealing with Microsoft Excel sign-in loops and cloud upload failures? WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with reliable built-in cloud storage and no complex activation headaches.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office.
  2. 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files directly without any formatting loss.
  3. 3. Sync to WPS Cloud: Sign in to your free WPS account to automatically save and sync your work across all your devices.
100% compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface.Built-in 1GB free cloud storage for reliable and fast file syncing.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on all devices without freezing or hanging.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Excel stuck on the signing-in screen?

This usually happens due to corrupted cached credentials, outdated Microsoft Office software, or network issues blocking communication with Microsoft's authentication servers.

How can I save my Excel file if the cloud upload fails?

If the cloud upload is hanging, go to File > Save As, and choose a local directory on your PC (like your Desktop or Documents folder) to save a local copy immediately.

Does resetting the Office activation state delete my spreadsheets?

No, resetting the activation state only clears the license and login credentials stored on your computer. It does not affect, modify, or delete any of your personal files or spreadsheets.

Can a third-party antivirus cause Excel cloud upload issues?

Yes, some strict antivirus programs or firewalls can block Excel from accessing the internet, preventing it from signing in or uploading files. Try temporarily disabling your firewall to see if the issue resolves.