Microsoft Account Errors

How to Fix Microsoft Family Account Sign-In and Profile Refresh Errors

Phi Hung Vo Oct 7, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to join a Microsoft family account due to a sign-in error and a continuous profile page refresh loop.

Product: Microsoft Office / Microsoft Account
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to join a Microsoft family account and managing user profiles online.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft profile page continuously refreshes in an infinite loop after the user selects their account, preventing successful sign-in or family group registration.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct email and password for the primary Microsoft account used to purchase the Office subscription, and temporarily save any open work before closing your applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Browser Cache and Windows Credentials

This resolves looping sign-in issues caused by corrupted browser caches or outdated login tokens saved in your operating system.

A constant page refresh during Microsoft login usually points to a conflict in stored credentials. Clearing both the web browser cache and the system's Credential Manager forces a fresh authentication request.

Sign out and clear browser data

Close all active Office applications. In your web browser, sign out of your Microsoft account completely, then clear your browser's cache and cookies via the browser's settings menu.

Open Windows Credential Manager

Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' into the search bar, and press Enter to launch the utility.

Remove outdated Microsoft credentials

Click on 'Windows Credentials'. Scroll through the list and locate any entries starting with 'MicrosoftAccount' or 'MicrosoftOffice'. Click the drop-down arrow next to each and select 'Remove'.

Restart in Safe Mode

Restart Windows in Safe Mode to ensure no background processes or syncing tools interfere with the new login attempt.

Retry the family invitation

Open your web browser, sign in using the Microsoft account associated with the Office purchase, and click the family invitation link again.

Clear Browser Cache and Windows Credentials

Pro Tip: Opening the Microsoft family invitation link in a Private or Incognito browsing window can often bypass existing cache conflicts instantly.

Solution 2

Run a Microsoft Office Repair

If the sign-in loop also affects your desktop Office applications, repairing the software can fix underlying registry or file conflicts.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Account Sync Issues

If Microsoft account errors and sign-in loops are disrupting your workflow, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office without forcing complex family account syncing or subscription hurdles.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation in just a few minutes.
3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office to immediately begin editing your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without dealing with account loops.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.No mandatory family account syncing or complex subscription sign-ins required.Lightweight installation that consumes minimal system resources.Familiar user interface for a seamless transition from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Microsoft account page keep refreshing when I sign in?

This infinite loop is typically caused by corrupted browser cookies, outdated cached data, or conflicting Microsoft credentials saved in the Windows Credential Manager.

Can I use Microsoft Office without signing into a family account?

If you have a standalone software license, you do not need a family account. However, Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions require you to accept an invitation and sign in to activate the shared premium benefits.

Will clearing Windows credentials delete my Office documents?

No. Clearing your Microsoft credentials in the Windows Credential Manager only removes saved login tokens. Your personal files, Word documents, and emails remain entirely safe and untouched.

What should I do if the family invitation link still doesn't work?

Try copying the invitation link and opening it in a private or Incognito browser window. This ensures no previous session data interferes with the new sign-in request.

Login & Account Issues