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Fix OneNote Not Syncing and Repeatedly Requesting Sign-In

Elise Williams Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a synchronization loop where OneNote continuously prompts for credentials but fails to authenticate or sync notebooks.

How to Fix OneNote Not Syncing and Repeatedly Requesting Sign-In

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to log into the application and synchronize notebooks to the cloud.
Observed behavior: OneNote repeatedly requests a sign-in but does not complete the authentication process or synchronize the notebook even after the correct credentials are submitted.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and that you are typing the correct Microsoft account password before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Online Access via OneNote for the Web

Checking online helps isolate whether the issue is with the local desktop app, your account credentials, or a corrupted notebook section.

By accessing your notebook through a web browser, you bypass local app caches and network glitches. If the notebook opens online, the problem is local to your device; if it doesn't, there may be notebook corruption or an account issue.

Open OneNote Online

Launch a web browser and navigate to the official OneNote website (onenote.com).

Sign in with Your Account

Access the Specific Notebook

Locate and attempt to open the specific notebook that is failing to sync to see if it loads properly.

Verify Online Access via OneNote for the Web

Notebook Corruption: If you encounter an error trying to load the notebook on the web version, a section of the notebook itself might be corrupted and may require restoration.

Solution 2

Test Access from Another Device or Account

Determine if the sign-in loop is tied to your specific device, local network, or a broader SharePoint/OneDrive restriction.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Technical Support

Persistent backend authentication issues or log collection may require Microsoft's direct intervention to resolve.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Reliable Note-Taking and Document Management

If Microsoft Office applications like OneNote are causing persistent sync errors and sign-in frustrations, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative for managing your documents with seamless cloud synchronization.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software.
3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Docs to start taking notes and managing your documents effortlessly with reliable cloud sync.

Reliable built-in cloud storage without complex sign-in loops or persistent authentication errors.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Free, lightweight, and fast document processing for personal and professional use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote keep asking for my password even when it is correct?

A continuous sign-in loop often occurs due to cached local credentials conflicting with the server, network security settings blocking authentication, or a corrupted notebook section continuously failing a background sync.

How can I check if my OneNote notebook section is corrupted?

Try opening the notebook via OneNote on the web. If it fails to load online or displays a specific section error, the file is likely damaged. You can attempt to copy the pages to a new notebook section or restore it from a previous backup.

What should I do if my SharePoint-hosted notebook won't sync?

First, verify your SharePoint folder permissions with your IT administrator. You can also test access from another device or ask a colleague to open the notebook to confirm if it is a tenant-wide issue or specific to your user account.

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