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How to Fix Microsoft Whiteboard Stuck on 'Trying to Reconnect'

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where Microsoft Whiteboard fails to sync and displays a continuous reconnection message.

Product: Microsoft Whiteboard
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on digital whiteboards in an office environment.
Observed behavior: The application gets stuck on a 'Trying to reconnect' message for certain users, while remaining functional for others in the same network.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and check the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard to ensure there are no ongoing outages affecting Whiteboard.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the App and Verify Network Settings

Use this comprehensive troubleshooting approach to isolate whether the issue is app-specific, network-related, or browser-based.

The reconnection error is often caused by localized app corruption, VPN interference, or strict firewall settings. Isolating the environment helps identify the exact cause.

Test the Web Version

Open a web browser and log into the online Whiteboard portal. If it works online, the issue is isolated to your desktop application.

Reset the Desktop App

If using Windows, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find 'Microsoft Whiteboard', click on 'Advanced options', and select 'Reset' to clear local app data.

Check Network and VPN

Temporarily disable your VPN and check your firewall rules to ensure they are not blocking Microsoft 365 syncing endpoints.

Clear Browser Cache

If you are experiencing the issue on the web version, go to your browser settings and clear the cache and site cookies.

Contact Support

If the issue persists after these steps, ask your IT team or Microsoft 365 tenant administrator to open a support ticket in the Admin Center.

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Try WPS Office for Reliable Team Collaboration

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Whiteboard keep saying 'Trying to reconnect'?

This error typically occurs when the application loses its connection to Microsoft 365 servers. Common causes include VPN interference, firewall restrictions, network drops, or corrupted application cache.

How do I clear the cache for Microsoft Whiteboard?

For the Windows desktop app, you can clear the cache by resetting the app via Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Whiteboard > Advanced options > Reset. For the web version, simply clear your browser's history and cache.

Can I use Microsoft Whiteboard offline?

Microsoft Whiteboard is heavily reliant on cloud synchronization for real-time collaboration. While you might be able to view cached boards, active editing and saving require a stable internet connection, which is why network drops trigger the reconnect error.

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