Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Family Sign-In Loop and PIN Errors

Partner Editor Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a continuous sign-in loop or PIN rejection error when trying to set up or log into Microsoft 365 Family.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Family Sign-In Loop and PIN Errors

Product: Microsoft 365 Family
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up or signing into a Microsoft 365 Family subscription on a Windows device.
Observed behavior: The setup process repeatedly returns to the sign-in screen or rejects the provided PIN, preventing access to the Office applications.

Before you start

Verify that you are using the exact Microsoft account associated with the Microsoft 365 Family subscription and ensure you are entering the PIN for the current Windows device, not a different one.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Outdated Windows Credentials

Remove corrupted or outdated Microsoft account credentials from Windows to force a fresh sign-in prompt.

Windows stores your login tokens in the Credential Manager. If these tokens become corrupted or conflict with an older Microsoft account, it can cause an endless sign-in loop when accessing Microsoft 365.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and select the corresponding app from the results.

Locate Microsoft Credentials

Click on 'Windows Credentials' and scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section. Look for any entries related to 'MicrosoftAccount' or 'MicrosoftOffice'.

Remove Credentials

Click on the relevant credentials to expand the details, then select 'Remove'. Confirm the deletion.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your computer, open a Microsoft 365 app like Word or Excel, and attempt to sign in again.

Safe Deletion: Removing these credentials will not delete your personal files or Office documents; it simply forces the system to ask for your login details again.

Solution 2

Check Network and Proxy Settings

Ensure that incorrect proxy or DNS configurations are not blocking the connection to Microsoft's sign-in servers.

Solution 3

Create a New Local Windows Account

Test the sign-in process from a fresh Windows user profile to rule out corruption in your current user account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If Microsoft 365 sign-in loops and PIN errors are preventing you from getting work done, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office without the frustrating account setup hurdles.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents to start editing immediately.

Completely free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.No complex subscription sign-ins required for core offline editing.Lightweight installation that won't slow down your Windows device.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 keep asking for a PIN instead of my password?

Windows 10 and 11 often default to Windows Hello PIN for faster and more secure logins. During the Microsoft 365 setup, the system requests the PIN associated with your current Windows device, not the PIN from a different computer or your Microsoft account password.

What should I do if I forgot my Windows Hello PIN during the Microsoft 365 setup?

You can click on 'I forgot my PIN' on the Windows sign-in screen or the security prompt. You will be asked to verify your identity using your Microsoft account password and a security code sent to your email or phone to reset the PIN.

Will clearing my Windows credentials delete my Microsoft 365 files?

No, clearing your credentials in the Windows Credential Manager only removes the saved login tokens on your local device to fix authentication errors. Your actual files, whether saved locally or in OneDrive, will remain completely intact.

Can I bypass the Microsoft 365 sign-in entirely?

Microsoft 365 requires you to sign in at least once to verify your active subscription. If you want to view or edit documents without signing into a subscription service, you might consider using a free alternative like WPS Office.

Login & Account Issues