How to Fix Microsoft Word Repeatedly Asking for OneDrive Credentials
Question details
The user is experiencing continuous credential prompts for a OneDrive work or school account in Microsoft Word, despite entering the correct password.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open, edit, or save documents connected to a OneDrive work or school account via Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- Word repeatedly asks for the account password and fails to authenticate, keeping the user in a continuous sign-in loop.
Before proceeding with local fixes, log in to OneDrive Online through your web browser to verify that your work or school account is active and your password is correct.
Clear the Microsoft 365 License Cache
Use this method if your account works in OneDrive Online but Word continues to reject the password or loop the prompt locally.
A damaged or corrupted Microsoft 365 Apps license cache can prevent Word from successfully reading your sign-in tokens, leading to repeated authentication loops.
Download and run the official Microsoft 365 Apps license cleanup tool from the Microsoft support website.
Follow the on-screen command prompt instructions to clear the damaged license cache from your system.
Restart your computer to ensure all temporary authentication files and broken tokens are fully cleared from memory.
Open Microsoft Word and sign in again using your correct work or school account credentials.
Remove Stored Windows Credentials
Clearing old or corrupted passwords stored in Windows Credential Manager can resolve conflicts causing continuous sign-in loops.
Avoid Sign-In Loops with WPS Office
Tired of Microsoft Word's constant credential prompts and complex licensing bugs? Switch to WPS Office, a free, lightweight alternative that lets you edit files offline and seamlessly connect to cloud storage without the authentication hassle.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Open your files: Open your existing Word (.docx) documents directly in WPS Writer without losing formatting.
- 3. Save locally or to the cloud: Edit and save your files locally, or connect your preferred cloud service without complex account dependencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word keep asking for my OneDrive password even when it is correct?
This typically occurs when the local Microsoft 365 license cache is corrupted or when the Windows Credential Manager holds an outdated login token that conflicts with your current authentication attempt.
How can I check if my OneDrive work or school account is locked?
Attempt to sign in to OneDrive Online through a web browser. If you can access your files there, your account is active and the issue is strictly local to the Word application on your device.
Will simply reinstalling Microsoft Word fix the repeated sign-in prompts?
Not necessarily. A standard uninstall often leaves the damaged license cache and Windows credentials intact. You must explicitly clear the cache using the Microsoft 365 Apps license cleanup tool or delete the stored credentials manually.
