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How to Fix OneDrive Keychain Password Prompt Keeps Appearing on Mac

Bushra Parveen Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a recurring prompt from OneDrive asking for a keychain password for 'Microsoft Identity', which repeatedly rejects the password and reappears after being dismissed.

How to Fix the Recurring OneDrive Keychain Password Prompt on Mac

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: A Mac computer previously used for a professional Microsoft account is now attempting to access outdated credentials, interfering with daily usage and a family member's school account.
Observed behavior: A 'Microsoft Identity' keychain access prompt repeatedly pops up, rejects all entered passwords, and fails to close permanently when dismissed.

Before you start

Before making changes to your keychain credentials, ensure you know the correct login emails and passwords for any active Microsoft or OneDrive accounts your family currently uses on this Mac.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Outdated Microsoft Credentials from Keychain Access

Clearing old or inactive Microsoft Identity and OneDrive credentials from your Mac's Keychain Access will stop the recurring prompt.

macOS stores authentication tokens in the Keychain Access app. When a Microsoft account becomes inactive or its password changes, the stored token can become corrupted or outdated, causing OneDrive to repeatedly ask for access without accepting your current Mac password.

Open Keychain Access

Press Command + Space on your keyboard to open Spotlight Search, type 'Keychain Access', and press Return to open the application.

Search for Microsoft Credentials

In the search bar located in the top-right corner of the Keychain Access window, type 'Microsoft Identity', 'OneDrive', or 'Office'.

Delete Obsolete Entries

Locate the entries associated with your inactive professional account. Right-click (or Control-click) on them and select 'Delete'. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Restart OneDrive

Close the Keychain Access application, restart your Mac, and launch OneDrive. Sign in with the active school or personal account if prompted.

Remove Outdated Microsoft Credentials from Keychain Access

Important: Be careful to only delete credentials tied to the inactive account. Do not remove items related to the active accounts, such as your daughter's school account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Mac Experience

If persistent Microsoft Office credential prompts and background sync errors are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a seamless, lightweight, and completely free alternative for your document needs.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded DMG file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without worrying about format conversion or login prompts.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight application that uses minimal Mac system resources.No mandatory cloud syncing apps running in the background to cause keychain errors.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Mac keep asking for a Microsoft Identity keychain password?

This usually happens when an outdated or inactive Microsoft account's authentication token is stuck in your Mac's Keychain Access. OneDrive repeatedly tries to verify it in the background, causing the recurring prompt.

Will deleting Keychain items log me out of other applications?

Deleting specific 'Microsoft Identity' or 'OneDrive' passwords will only log you out of those specific Microsoft services. You will not be logged out of iCloud, Apple services, or other third-party applications.

How do I stop OneDrive from launching on Mac startup?

You can prevent OneDrive from opening automatically by going to System Settings (or System Preferences) > General > Login Items. Select OneDrive from the list and click the minus (-) button to remove it.

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