How to Fix OneDrive Backup Requesting the Wrong Microsoft Account
Question details
The user needs to stop OneDrive from repeatedly prompting them to back up using an incorrect or different Microsoft account when the correct account is already signed in.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up or running OneDrive PC folder backup while signed into a Microsoft account.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive ignores the currently signed-in Microsoft account and repeatedly prompts the user to authenticate or back up using a different account.
Ensure you have your correct Microsoft account email and password ready, and save any open work in your Office applications before proceeding.
Clear Cached Microsoft Credentials and Settings
Removing outdated or conflicting cached account data forces OneDrive to forget the wrong account and authenticate correctly.
Windows stores Microsoft account sign-in tokens locally. When these tokens conflict or become corrupted, OneDrive may become confused and request an older or different account. Clearing specific cache folders resolves this.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar, go to Settings, and select 'Unlink this PC'. Also, open any Microsoft Office app like Word, sign out of your account, and close the application.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft and press Enter. Locate and permanently delete the folders named 'OneAuth' and 'IdentityCache'.
Press Win + R again, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings, and press Enter. Find the file named 'PreSignInSettingsConfig.json' and delete it.
Open OneDrive from your Start menu and sign in using the correct Microsoft account credentials. Set up your backup folders as prompted.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless Cloud Experience
If you are tired of dealing with Microsoft account sync errors and confusing backup prompts, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It features its own reliable cloud storage integration without the persistent sign-in conflicts.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 2. Sign In to WPS: Launch WPS Office and create a free account using your preferred email or social login.
- 3. Enable Cloud Backup: Open your document and click the 'Auto-Backup' or 'Cloud' icon to seamlessly save your files to WPS Cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep asking me to sign in to an old account?
This usually happens because Windows retains outdated authentication tokens in its local app data folders. Clearing the OneAuth and IdentityCache folders forces OneDrive to discard the old account data.
Will deleting the IdentityCache folder delete my OneDrive files?
No. Deleting the IdentityCache and OneAuth folders only removes saved sign-in data. Your actual documents and files stored in OneDrive remain completely safe in the cloud and on your hard drive.
What should I do if clearing the cache doesn't stop the wrong account prompts?
If the issue persists, you may need to completely unlink your PC from OneDrive via the OneDrive settings menu, uninstall the OneDrive application, restart your computer, and perform a fresh installation.
