Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Word Asking for Mac Login Keychain Password

Partner Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know what password to enter when Microsoft Word requests access to the Mac login keychain, and how to stop repeated prompts.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Asking for Mac Login Keychain Password

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Opening or signing into Microsoft Word on a Mac computer.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word displays a popup message requesting permission to access confidential information stored in the login keychain and asks for the keychain password.

Before you start

Ensure you know the administrator password for your Mac user account, as this is the credential required to unlock system keychains.

Solution 1Recommended

Enter Your Mac Login Password

Use this solution to provide the correct credentials and permanently grant Microsoft Word access to the keychain.

When Microsoft Office applications ask for the login keychain password, they are attempting to securely authenticate your Microsoft 365 license or account credentials. The password it requires is not your Microsoft account password, but the password you use to log into your Mac.

Select the password field

Click inside the password input box on the keychain prompt dialog.

Enter your Mac password

Type the administrator password that you normally use to turn on and sign in to your Mac.

Click Always Allow

Select the 'Always Allow' button instead of 'Allow'. This saves the permission preference and prevents Word from repeatedly asking for keychain access in the future.

Important: If you click 'Always Allow' and the dialog box reappears, your keychain preferences may be locked or corrupted.

Solution 2

Reset Your Mac Login Password

Use this method if you have forgotten your Mac login password or if the keychain does not accept your current password.

Solution 3

Fix Repeated Prompts via Keychain Access

If providing the correct password and clicking 'Always Allow' does not stop the prompt loop, reset the Office keychain entries manually.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience a Hassle-Free Word Processor on Mac

If Microsoft Office continues to frustrate you with repetitive keychain login loops and credential issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for opening and editing Word documents without the constant system credential prompts.

1. Download the Mac installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office application into your Applications folder.
3. Edit your documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word documents directly. All formatting and layouts will be perfectly preserved.

Free to use, lightweight, and incredibly fast to launch on macOS.Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Avoids complex system keychain integration issues and login loops.Familiar user interface makes migrating from Microsoft Word effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word keep asking for the keychain password?

Word securely stores your Microsoft account sign-in credentials in the Mac login keychain. If the login password and keychain password fall out of sync, or if file permissions get corrupted during a macOS update, Word will repeatedly ask for permission to access it.

What happens if I click 'Deny' on the keychain prompt?

If you click Deny, Microsoft Word will be unable to retrieve your credentials. This usually results in Word failing to sign into your Microsoft 365 account, disabling saving to OneDrive, or triggering activation errors.

Is it safe to choose 'Always Allow'?

Yes, clicking 'Always Allow' is safe and recommended. It grants Microsoft Word permanent access to its specific credential file within the keychain, ensuring you are not interrupted by the same prompt every time you launch the application.

What password should I use if my Mac uses Touch ID?

Even if you typically use Touch ID or an Apple Watch to unlock your Mac, the keychain prompt requires the standard alphanumeric administrator password you created when setting up your user account.

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