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Fix Blank Password Screen When Signing Into Excel for Mac
Question details
Users are unable to complete the sign-in process for older Microsoft Excel apps because the password entry screen fails to load.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Sierra
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to activate or use Microsoft Excel on an older Mac operating system.
- Observed behavior
- The sign-in prompt accepts the user's email address but subsequently displays a completely blank page instead of the password input field.
Before proceeding, ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and try logging into your Microsoft account via a web browser to rule out temporary server outages.
Verify Office Compatibility and Update
Microsoft's modern authentication services often fail to render correctly on older Office builds or unsupported macOS versions.
The blank password screen is typically caused by outdated Microsoft authentication protocols. Older Office releases do not support current Microsoft login services, causing the sign-in window to freeze or turn white. Resolving this requires matching a compatible Office version with a supported macOS installation.
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select 'About This Mac'. Note if you are running macOS Sierra or a newer version.
Open Excel (or another Office app). In the top menu bar, click 'Excel' and select 'About Microsoft Excel' to see the exact build number.
If you are running macOS Sierra, be aware that Microsoft 365 and modern Office for Mac versions no longer support it. You will need to upgrade your Mac to a newer OS (like macOS Monterey or later) via 'System Preferences > Software Update', and then install the latest Microsoft Office update.
Clear Microsoft Authentication Credentials
Clearing corrupted cached credentials in your Mac's Keychain can sometimes force the sign-in window to load correctly.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Mac Productivity
If your Mac running macOS Sierra is no longer supported by Microsoft Office updates and you are locked out by sign-in issues, WPS Office is an excellent alternative. It is lightweight, does not require complex modern authentication to edit local files, and works smoothly on a wide range of macOS versions.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version installer.
- 2. Install on Your Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Excel workbooks to continue your work without sign-in errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Excel show a blank screen on Mac?
A blank sign-in screen typically occurs when the authentication window fails to connect to Microsoft's login servers. This is highly common on older macOS versions like macOS Sierra or outdated Office builds that do not support Microsoft's current modern authentication protocols.
Can I still run Microsoft Office on macOS Sierra?
Microsoft no longer provides updates or support for macOS Sierra. While standalone older versions like Office 2016 might still open, signing into Microsoft 365 services often fails because the older software cannot securely communicate with modern Microsoft servers.
How do I bypass the Microsoft sign-in on Mac?
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, sign-in is mandatory to verify your license. If you cannot sign in due to OS limitations, your only options are to upgrade your macOS, purchase a standalone offline version of Office, or switch to a free alternative like WPS Office.
How do I find out which version of macOS I am using?
Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your menu bar and select 'About This Mac'. A window will appear displaying your exact macOS version and release name.
