Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop the Microsoft Privacy Screen from Reappearing in Office

Nimra Malik Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is looking for a way to stop the Microsoft privacy agreement screen from repeatedly popping up every time an Office application is launched.

How to Stop the Microsoft Privacy Screen from Reappearing in Office

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Launching Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, or Office 365.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft privacy screen appears repeatedly upon startup and requires the user to dismiss multiple prompts before they can access the application.

Before you start

Ensure that your device is connected to the internet and have your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to sign in to your account during the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Sign Out, Re-authenticate, and Update Office

Account syncing glitches or outdated software can prevent Office from saving your privacy screen acknowledgement. Updating the app and refreshing your login can resolve this loop.

Microsoft requires users to acknowledge its privacy policies. If the prompt fails to register your response, it is usually due to an authentication error or a bug in an older version of Office.

Sign out of your account

Open any Office application like Word or Excel. Go to 'File' > 'Account', click 'Sign Out' under your user information, and then close the application completely.

Sign back in and acknowledge the prompt

Reopen the Office application and sign back in using your Microsoft credentials. When the privacy screen appears, read and dismiss the prompts as required.

Check for Office updates

Navigate back to 'File' > 'Account'. Click on 'Update Options' next to Office Updates, and select 'Update Now' to download and install the latest bug fixes from Microsoft.

Sign Out, Re-authenticate, and Update Office

Updates Keep Office Running Smoothly: Running the latest version of Office ensures that known bugs, such as recurring startup prompts, are patched.

Solution 2

Run the Microsoft Office Repair Tool

If updating your software does not work, repairing the Office installation can fix corrupted system files that are preventing your settings from being saved.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Experience

If you are tired of dealing with recurring Microsoft privacy screens, subscription issues, or heavy software bugs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office without the repetitive startup interruptions.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
2. Install and launch: Run the installer, follow the quick setup wizard, and launch the application in seconds.
3. Open your files instantly: Drag and drop your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly into WPS Office to continue your work without formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)No repetitive privacy pop-ups or startup interruptionsLightweight installation that runs smoothly on older devicesFamiliar all-in-one user interface for a seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific setting in Office to turn off the privacy screen?

No, Microsoft does not provide a standard setting to permanently disable required privacy notices. The screen is designed to appear until acknowledged. If it loops continuously, it is a software glitch rather than a configurable setting.

Will reinstalling Microsoft Office delete my saved documents?

No. Uninstalling, repairing, or updating Microsoft Office only affects the application files. All of your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations saved locally or on OneDrive will remain completely intact.

Why does the privacy screen only appear on certain devices?

The acknowledgement of the privacy screen is tied to both your Microsoft account and the local device registry. If a specific device has an outdated version of Office or corrupted registry keys, it may fail to save your acknowledgement locally.

Who should I contact if the privacy screen loop cannot be fixed?

If you have tried signing out, updating, and repairing Office but the issue persists, you should contact Microsoft Support directly. They can assist in manually modifying registry keys or providing an advanced fix for your specific account.

Office App Problems