The most common cause of this issue is outdated or conflicting credentials, which keep failing the authentication process. This issue can be very annoying and frustrating for affected users since they have to log in after each restart to use Microsoft apps. Therefore, to help resolve the issue, we have gathered verified solutions from public forums that worked for other users, so you don’t have to struggle to find the solutions.
Quick Fixes:
Before diving into detailed solutions, consider these quick checks:
Check Internet Connection: Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet connection. Fluctuations can disrupt ongoing sessions and trigger repeated sign-in prompts.Update Windows and Apps: Go to Settings > Update & Security and check for any pending updates for Windows or Microsoft apps, as updates often resolve known bugs.Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might affect the authentication processes.Verify Time and Date Settings: Ensure the system clock is accurate by going to Settings > Time & Language. Incorrect time settings can lead to authentication errors.Disable VPN or Proxy: If you’re using a VPN or proxy, try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue, as these can sometimes interfere with sign-ins.
1. Clear Stored Credentials
When you log in to your Microsoft account, the system saves the authentication credentials in the Credential Manager, so Microsoft applications can use them to remember the user. This is similar to websites saving user credentials in cookies in the form of tokens. When these credentials become corrupted, outdated, or conflicted, especially if you have multiple Microsoft accounts logged in, it can lead to this issue. Clearing these credentials will ensure that Windows is forced to request fresh login details, which can effectively resolve this issue. Note: While clearing credentials often resolves issues related to stored authentication data, it might not address problems with the Microsoft account service itself. If you continue experiencing sign-in issues after performing this step, consider checking for service outages or exploring additional troubleshooting steps.
2. Go Passwordless with Your Microsoft Account
Going passwordless refers to a method of signing in to your Microsoft account using passwordless methods such as Windows Hello and the Microsoft Authenticator app. This solution seems to work for many affected users, so it’s worth trying.
3. Temporarily Disable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Warning: Disabling MFA reduces security. Use this only temporarily and re-enable it to protect your account. If you switch to a password-less account but the issue persists, you can try disabling any multi-factor authentication methods such as Microsoft Authenticator, SMS or email codes, and physical security keys. By doing so, you ensure there are no conflicts during the authentication process, particularly syncing issues between the sign-in request and receiving the code or using an authentication app. If the MFA is configured incorrectly or does not sync properly with Microsoft servers, it can lead to repeated sign-in prompts. After disabling MFA, you can log in using only your primary credentials, such as your email and password, reducing the chances of sign-in interruptions and effectively resolving the issue. If you have followed all the solutions above but are unable to resolve the issue, contacting the Microsoft Support team might be the best recommendation to get rid of this issue. They can provide further guidance and assistance to help you fix the problem.
