How to Fix OneDrive Requiring Sign-In After Every Computer Restart
Question details
Users are repeatedly prompted to manually enter their password and sign into OneDrive every time they start or restart their Windows computer.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Starting or restarting the Windows PC and attempting to run OneDrive or Microsoft Office applications in the background.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive loses its authenticated sign-in state upon restart, causing constant and repetitive login credential prompts.
Ensure you have your current Microsoft account email and password ready, and save any open documents before initiating a system repair process.
Perform an In-Place Repair of Microsoft Office
Running an in-place repair of your Microsoft Office installation resolves underlying registry and configuration glitches that cause OneDrive to forget your credentials.
OneDrive and Microsoft Office are deeply integrated in Windows. When Office installation files become corrupted, it can disrupt OneDrive's ability to hold onto your saved login credentials across system reboots.
Restart your computer completely to ensure no background Office or OneDrive processes are locked or actively running.
Right-click the Windows Start button and select 'Apps and Features' (or 'Installed apps' in Windows 11) from the context menu.
Scroll down the list of installed applications until you find your version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365.
Click on the Microsoft Office entry (or the three dots next to it) and select 'Modify'. When prompted, choose either 'Quick Repair' or 'Online Repair' and click 'Repair'.
Once the repair process finishes, restart Windows once more and verify if OneDrive connects automatically without asking for a password.
Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account
Resetting the connection between your PC and your Microsoft account can establish a fresh, uncorrupted sign-in state.
Experience a Seamless and Lightweight Office Suite with WPS Office
If you are tired of complex Microsoft Office configurations and constant OneDrive sign-in issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that lets you work effortlessly offline without constant authentication interruptions.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your PC.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office to instantly begin editing your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with no complex logins required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my computer keep asking for my OneDrive password?
This commonly happens due to corrupted Windows credentials, a glitch in the Microsoft Office installation, or conflicting cached account data on your system that prevents OneDrive from remembering your session.
Will repairing Microsoft Office delete my personal files?
No, running a repair on Microsoft Office from Apps & Features will only fix the software's installation files and registry keys. Your personal documents and files stored locally or on OneDrive will remain completely safe.
What should I do if repairing Office doesn't fix the OneDrive login issue?
If a repair does not resolve the issue, you can try clearing your saved passwords in the Windows Credential Manager, or perform a full reset of the OneDrive client by pressing Win + R and running the OneDrive reset command.
