'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Microsoft 365 Apps Stuck on Sign-In Screen on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to access Microsoft 365 applications because they remain frozen or stuck on the sign-in screen.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Reinstalling macOS and downloading Microsoft 365 applications again.
- Observed behavior
- The applications launch but get continuously stuck on the sign-in screen, likely due to a lingering Office activation license or corrupted cached authentication data.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 Family account credentials ready and confirm your Mac administrator password, as it will be required to run the removal tool.
Clear Authentication Cache using the Office License Removal Tool
Using Microsoft's official License Removal Tool clears old activation files and authentication caches, allowing you to sign in properly.
When macOS is reinstalled or updated, old activation licenses and authentication cache files can occasionally conflict with fresh app installations. Removing these hidden files resets the login process.
Ensure all Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) are completely closed on your Mac.
Download the official Microsoft Office License Removal Tool for Mac from the official Microsoft Support website.
Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen prompts. You will be prompted to enter your Mac's administrator password to authorize the removal.
Once the tool finishes processing, restart your Mac to ensure all temporary license cache data is completely cleared from the system.
Launch any Microsoft Office application and sign in again using your Microsoft 365 Family account credentials.
Try WPS Office for Mac When Microsoft Apps Fail to Load
If you are repeatedly facing sign-in loops or activation bugs with Microsoft 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative that allows you to start working on your documents immediately without dealing with complicated login screens or mandatory subscription barriers.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the WPS website and download the free macOS installer.
- 2. Install on Mac: Open the installer package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Office and immediately open your existing Microsoft Office documents without worrying about getting stuck on a sign-in screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Microsoft apps stuck on the sign-in screen on Mac?
This usually happens due to corrupted cache files or lingering Office activation licenses that conflict with the app after a macOS reinstallation or system update.
Will running the License Removal Tool delete my Word and Excel documents?
No. The Office License Removal Tool only removes hidden activation and license cache files from your system library. Your personal documents and files will remain completely untouched.
What if the License Removal Tool doesn't fix the sign-in issue?
If the problem persists, ensure your macOS is fully updated. You can also try opening the 'Keychain Access' app on your Mac and manually deleting any cached passwords or certificates related to 'Microsoft Office'.
Do I need an active internet connection to fix this?
Yes. While removing the license does not require the internet, you will need an active and stable internet connection to sign back in and re-verify your Microsoft 365 account once you relaunch the application.
