Office Apps Not Opening

Fix Cannot Open Excel After Updating Security Information or Passwords

Maira Mehtab Sep 24, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to launch Microsoft Excel or open specific workbooks after recently changing their account passwords or security information.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access the Excel application or specific files after modifying Microsoft account security details or network passwords.
Observed behavior: Excel will not open normally, likely due to outdated cached credentials causing authentication loops, interrupted OneDrive syncs, or restricted file permissions.

Before you start

Make sure you have your newly updated password ready and confirm you can successfully log in to your Microsoft account via a web browser before troubleshooting the desktop application.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear and Update Cached Windows Credentials

When you change your Microsoft account password, Windows may still attempt to use the old saved credentials, which can block Excel from verifying your license and opening.

Windows stores account login data in the Credential Manager. Clearing outdated Microsoft Office credentials forces Excel to prompt you for your new password.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Start menu, type 'Credential Manager', and press Enter to open the utility.

Access Windows Credentials

Select the 'Windows Credentials' tab to view your saved passwords.

Remove Old Office Credentials

Scroll down to 'Generic Credentials', locate any entries starting with 'MicrosoftOffice', click on them, and select 'Remove'.

Restart Excel and Sign In

Relaunch Microsoft Excel. You will be prompted to sign in; enter your updated email and new password.

Solution 2

Reconnect OneDrive with Updated Credentials

If your Excel files are stored on OneDrive, changing your security information can pause synchronization and prevent files from opening.

Solution 3

Sign Out Using Another Office Application

If Excel crashes immediately upon opening, you can use another Microsoft Office app to update your overarching account session.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Open Your Spreadsheets Instantly

If Microsoft Excel remains locked due to account authentication loops or password reset issues, you can switch to WPS Office. It provides a seamless, localized experience that doesn't require complex cloud sign-ins just to view and edit your personal spreadsheets.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csvOpens local files instantly without mandatory Microsoft account loginsLightweight installation that runs smoothly on both Windows and macOSFamiliar user interface for a zero-learning-curve transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does changing my password stop Excel from opening?

Microsoft 365 applications like Excel constantly verify your subscription license and sync settings in the background. If you change your account password, the application may fail to authenticate using its saved older credentials, causing it to freeze or crash on startup.

How do I know if the issue is a file permission problem or an account problem?

If the Excel application opens to a blank workbook but gives an error when opening a specific file, it is likely a file permission issue. If the Excel app itself crashes, refuses to load, or prompts an immediate sign-in loop, it is an account or credential issue.

Will I lose my Excel files if I clear my Windows credentials?

No. Clearing your Microsoft Office credentials in the Windows Credential Manager only removes the saved login token. It does not delete or modify your actual Excel workbooks or cloud files.

What should I do if this only happens on macOS?

On a Mac, cached passwords are stored in the Keychain. Open the 'Keychain Access' app, search for 'Microsoft Office' or 'ADAL', delete those credential entries, and relaunch Excel to sign in with your new password.

Office App Problems