Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Fix OneDrive Repeated PIN Requests and Sign-in Loops

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a continuous sign-in loop in OneDrive, where the application repeatedly requests a PIN that has not been configured, blocking file access and account unlinking.

How to Fix OneDrive Repeated PIN Requests and Sign-in Loops

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to access synced cloud files or unlink a Microsoft OneDrive account on a PC.
Observed behavior: OneDrive is stuck in a loop, repeatedly prompting for an unenabled PIN, completely preventing the user from signing in, accessing files, or managing account settings.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure that all your Microsoft Office applications are completely closed to prevent file sync conflicts during the credential reset process.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Sync App

Resetting the OneDrive application disconnects existing sync connections and clears cached errors without deleting your actual files.

This is the most effective method for resolving sync glitches and sign-in loops caused by application bugs. It essentially forces OneDrive to perform a clean startup.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run command window.

Execute the reset command

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' into the text box and press Enter.

Restart OneDrive manually

Wait a few minutes. If the OneDrive cloud icon does not automatically reappear in your system tray, open the Windows Start menu, search for 'OneDrive', and click to launch it.

Data Safety: Executing this reset command will not delete any of your synced files or local data; it only resets the application's configuration settings.

Solution 2

Clear Office and OneDrive Credentials

Removing corrupted saved credentials from Windows forces OneDrive and Office to request a fresh login, bypassing the broken PIN prompt.

Solution 3

Switch to a Local Windows Account

If the Microsoft account linked to your Windows profile is causing the PIN loop, switching to a local account can bypass the system-level authentication issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is OneDrive asking for a PIN I never set up?

This usually occurs due to a synchronization glitch between your Microsoft Account and Windows Hello security settings. Clearing your saved credentials in the Windows Credential Manager often resolves this false prompt.

Will resetting the OneDrive app delete the files on my PC?

No, resetting the OneDrive app using the run command only refreshes the sync connection and application settings. Your local files and the files stored safely in the cloud will remain completely intact.

How do I unlink my OneDrive account if the app is stuck in a loop and won't open?

If the app is stuck and blocks access to its settings, try resetting the app via the Run command or clearing the OneDrive credentials first. Once the app starts normally without the loop, you can right-click its system tray icon, go to Settings, and click 'Unlink this PC'.

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