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Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix Office 365 Sign-In Problems After a Copilot Update

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign into Office 365 desktop apps or the web portal on a specific computer following a recent Copilot update, despite the account functioning normally on other devices.

Product
Microsoft Office 365
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Attempting to access Microsoft Office applications or services after the system installed a Copilot-related update.
Observed behavior
The sign-in process fails on the updated machine, yet the email remains accessible through the admin portal and the account logs in successfully on other computers.
Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft account is active by logging into the admin portal on another device, and ensure you have administrative access on the affected Windows computer.

Solution 1

Clear Browser Cache and Use InPrivate Mode

Resolve web-based sign-in glitches by clearing outdated cached data or bypassing it with an incognito window.

Sometimes updates cause conflicts with existing browser cookies, preventing successful authentication for web-based Office 365 services.

1
Clear browser data

Open your preferred web browser, access the history or privacy settings, and choose to clear all cookies and cached data for 'All time'.

2
Restart the browser

Close the browser completely and reopen it to ensure the cache is fully flushed before attempting to sign in to Office 365 again.

3
Test InPrivate mode

If standard browsing still fails, open an InPrivate or Incognito window (usually accessible via the browser's menu or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N) and try logging in.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless, Bug-Free Experience

If Office 365 updates and sign-in requirements disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that allows you to edit your documents offline without forced cloud sign-ins.

  1. 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
  2. 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  3. 3. Open Microsoft files directly: Right-click any Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document and select 'Open with WPS Office' to continue your work without sign-in barriers.
100% free with a lightweight installation packageFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Stable offline mode without strict cloud sign-in requirementsFamiliar user interface for a seamless transition
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a Copilot update affect my Office 365 sign-in?

Copilot updates often refresh integration settings and authentication tokens. During this process, existing local credentials stored on your computer can become corrupted, preventing the Office apps from verifying your identity properly.

Will uninstalling Office 365 delete my saved documents?

No, uninstalling the Microsoft Office software only removes the application files. Your personal documents, whether saved locally on your hard drive or in OneDrive, will remain completely intact.

How do I know if the sign-in issue is isolated to my device?

If you can successfully log into your Office 365 account via a web browser on another computer or mobile device, it confirms that your account is active and the problem is isolated to the specific device's software or credential cache.

What is Office Safe Mode and how does it help?

Office Safe Mode opens the application without loading third-party add-ins or custom settings. This helps you identify if a specific extension or a recent feature update conflict is actively blocking the sign-in process.