Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Sign-In Redirecting to an Old University Account

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to sign in to their Microsoft 365 Family account but is prevented from doing so because the login page repeatedly redirects to a former university account.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Sign-In Redirecting to an Old University Account

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to a personal Microsoft 365 Family subscription using a web browser.
Observed behavior: The authentication process automatically redirects to an old university sign-in page, resulting in an error where the personal email or phone number is not recognized.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct email address and password for your current Microsoft 365 Family subscription ready before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an InPrivate or Incognito Browsing Window

Using a private browsing window ignores saved cookies and credentials, preventing the automatic redirection to the old university account.

Web browsers often save account login sessions and tokens to keep you signed in. Opening a private window forces the browser to start a fresh session, bypassing the cached school account.

Open a Private Window

Open your web browser and press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac) to open an InPrivate or Incognito window.

Navigate to the Login Page

Go to the official Microsoft 365 sign-in portal within the private window.

Enter Personal Credentials

Type in the email address and password associated with your Microsoft 365 Family account to successfully sign in.

Use an InPrivate or Incognito Browsing Window

Temporary Bypass: This method is a quick way to access your account immediately. For a permanent fix, you should clear your browser's saved credentials.

Solution 2

Remove Saved Credentials and Disconnect the School Account

Removing the old school account from your device settings and clearing browser caches will permanently stop the unwanted sign-in redirection.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 keep remembering my old school account?

Browsers and operating systems often cache authentication tokens and cookies for convenience. If you haven't explicitly cleared them or disconnected the account from your operating system's settings, the system defaults to the last known organizational login.

Can I use multiple Microsoft accounts on the same computer?

Yes, but to avoid conflicts and automatic redirects, it is highly recommended to use different browser profiles (e.g., separate profiles in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome) for your personal and work or school accounts.

How do I check if my Microsoft 365 Family subscription is still active?

Sign in to the official Microsoft account portal (account.microsoft.com) using your personal Family account credentials. Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab to view your active plans and expiration dates.

Login & Account Issues