Account Security Problems

Fix Office 2021 Sign-In Error 0x80048820 After Account Compromise

WPS Content Manager Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to Office 2021 and access OneDrive due to error 0x80048820, which appeared following a suspected Microsoft account compromise or password reset.

Fix Office 2021 Sign-In Error 0x80048820 After an Account Compromise

Product: Microsoft Office 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to Office 2021 desktop applications to access OneDrive cloud storage after experiencing a security event and resetting the account password.
Observed behavior: The Office 2021 application continuously displays error 0x80048820 during the sign-in process, completely blocking the user from syncing or accessing online OneDrive files.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and can access the recovery email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account for identity verification.

Solution 1Recommended

Secure Microsoft Account and Verify Web Access

Resolve account security locks by verifying your credentials and removing unauthorized devices directly through a web browser.

When Microsoft detects suspicious account activity, it may temporarily block authentication from desktop applications. Resolving the security flag in a web browser is the most effective way to clear error 0x80048820.

Access your account online

Open a web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Account sign-in page, then log in with your current credentials.

Review recent activity

Navigate to the 'Security' tab and select 'Sign-in activity'. Review the list for any unfamiliar locations or devices and report them.

Update security settings

Change your password if you haven't already. Under 'Advanced security options', enable two-step verification for added protection.

Sign out everywhere

In the security settings, select the option to 'Sign out everywhere' to terminate any compromised sessions.

Verify OneDrive access

Open a new tab and sign in to the OneDrive website to confirm your cloud access is fully restored.

Secure Microsoft Account and Verify Web Access

Account Secured: Once you can successfully browse your files in the OneDrive web interface, the underlying account block has been lifted.

Solution 2

Clear Cached Credentials and Re-sign Into Office

Remove outdated or corrupted login tokens from your system that may be forcing the Office application to fail the sign-in process.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Hassle-Free Offline Editing

If Microsoft Office account errors like 0x80048820 are locking you out of your workspace, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. You can create, edit, and save documents locally without being forced to sign into a cloud account.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
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3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files to continue working seamlessly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign in to use Office 2021 desktop apps?

No. Retail versions of Office 2021 use a one-time license for offline apps. You can use desktop applications like Word and Excel locally without signing in, but a sign-in is required to access or save files directly to cloud services like OneDrive.

What does error code 0x80048820 mean in Microsoft Office?

Error 0x80048820 generally indicates a synchronization or connectivity issue between the Office application and Microsoft's authentication servers. This is frequently triggered by account security locks, recently changed passwords, or network instability.

How can I access my OneDrive files if Office desktop apps won't sign in?

You can completely bypass the desktop application error by logging directly into the OneDrive website using a standard web browser. Your files will be fully accessible and downloadable from there as long as your account is secure.

Microsoft Office Security Issues