Sign-in & Login Problems

How to Stop OneDrive and SharePoint Sign-In Notifications for Former Work Accounts

Steve K Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user repeatedly receives sign-in notifications prompting them to log into a disconnected former workplace account to enable offline access to lists.

How to Stop OneDrive and SharePoint Sign-In Notifications for Former Work Accounts

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Using a personal Windows computer after a former workplace account has been disconnected.
Observed behavior: A persistent notification repeatedly prompts the user to sign in to a former work account, often triggered by cached credentials or leftover background synchronization processes.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into Windows as an administrator and save all active work, as you will need to restart background processes and modify system credentials.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Saved Work Accounts and Credentials

Use this solution to remove leftover account connections and cached passwords that are automatically triggering the sign-in prompt.

Windows often stores work or school account connections and login tokens in the background even after you stop actively using the account. Removing these connections locally prevents Microsoft 365 apps from attempting to re-authenticate.

Disconnect the work account in Settings

Open the Windows Start menu, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Locate your former work account, select it, and click Disconnect.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Start button, type 'Credential Manager', and open the application from the search results.

Delete saved Microsoft credentials

Select 'Windows Credentials'. Look through the list for any saved credentials containing 'Microsoft', 'Office', 'OneDrive', or 'SharePoint'. Click the downward arrow next to each one and select 'Remove'.

Restart your computer

Reboot your PC to ensure all cached account tokens are fully flushed from the system memory.

Clear Saved Work Accounts and Credentials

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Synchronization App

If removing credentials does not work, resetting the OneDrive client forces it to abandon stuck sync tasks associated with the old SharePoint or work libraries.

Solution 3

Delete Leftover Office Identity Registry Keys

Use this advanced troubleshooting step if the sign-in prompt persists due to deeply embedded identity configurations in the Windows Registry.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Offline Experience

Tired of complicated Microsoft 365 account sync issues, leftover SharePoint background processes, and persistent sign-in prompts? WPS Office offers a lightweight, completely free alternative that works seamlessly offline without forcing account synchronizations.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
3. Open your documents effortlessly: Set WPS as your default application and open your DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files directly from your local drive.

No forced background account synchronization or persistent login loopsFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight application that runs smoothly on all Windows PCsFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint keep asking me to sign in on a personal computer?

This usually happens because a previous work or school account is still connected in your Windows Settings, or leftover background synchronization processes are attempting to connect to offline SharePoint lists that you previously accessed.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my personal files?

No. Resetting OneDrive using the command line only restarts the synchronization engine and clears stuck tasks. It does not delete any of your personal files or folders stored locally on your PC.

How do I completely uninstall SharePoint from my personal PC?

Microsoft.SharePoint.exe is typically an installer or background sync process included with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive for Business. You cannot easily uninstall it as a standalone application. Instead, you should stop the sync connection or clear the associated registry identity keys to stop it from running.

Login & Account Issues