Why Does My Microsoft Account Keep Prompting for a Password?

You might encounter this error message in a variety of places where your Microsoft account is utilized. This includes applications like Outlook, a Windows PC where you’ve signed in with your Microsoft account, the Edge browser, or any other platform connected to your account.

Microsoft Account Continuously Prompts for Password

Below is a checklist to follow if you find that your Microsoft account persistently asks for your password:

1. Clear your cache
2. Review Account Security settings
3. Re-add your Microsoft Account on your Windows PC
4. Reset your Microsoft account password

Ensure that the password you are entering is correct.

1] Clear Cache

Start by clearing the cache and cookies in your browser, along with the cache for Outlook, OneNote, or any specific app causing this issue through the Repair option.

Also, consider restarting your router to see if that resolves the problem.

2] Review Account Security Settings

Access your Microsoft Account Security dashboard to check if your account remains secure. Look for any unusual recent sign-ins and enable app-specific passwords for applications that do not support two-factor authentication.

• Visit Microsoft Account privacy.
• Examine the App and service section for access permissions.
• If you spot anything concerning, it’s advisable to remove it immediately.

3] Re-Add Your Microsoft Account to Your Windows PC

Re-adding your account can help re-establish authentication, potentially resolving the error.

If you only use one Microsoft account on your device, create a local account first, then remove your Microsoft account. After that, reintroduce it and see if the issue persists. Remember to back up any important files as this will clear them from the PC.

• Alongside your Local account, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Other Users on your Windows device.
• Locate your Microsoft account, click on it, and select the Remove option.
• Restart your computer, return to the same settings, and this time, choose Add account to log in with your Microsoft account.

Remove your Microsoft account and then add it back to your device.

4] Reset Your Microsoft Account Password

If the previous steps did not alleviate the issue, consider resetting your password by visiting accounts.microsoft.com, logging in, and selecting the option to change your password.

If the problem continues after trying these solutions, it would be wise to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance—this may help determine if there’s a larger issue related to your account or their services.

Why Does My Microsoft Account Keep Requesting Password Changes?

If you are frequently prompted to change your password for your Microsoft account, several factors could be involved:

• Password Expiration Policy: Your organization may mandate regular password updates if you use your Microsoft account for organizational purposes.
• Frequent Logins from New Locations or Devices: Signing in from unusual locations or devices can trigger security protocols requiring a password reset.
• Outdated Recovery Information: If your security details (e.g., email or phone number) are outdated or incomplete, it might prompt additional password resets.

Why Does My Microsoft Account Keep Asking for a Code?

If you log into a new device without marking it as trusted, the system will request a verification code as part of your two-factor authentication (2FA). You have two options:

• Designate your device as trusted when prompted, ensuring the box for “Don’t ask me again on this device” is checked (if available). Make sure your browser settings allow cookies to retain this configuration.
• If two-factor authentication is not vital, consider disabling it in your account settings, though this is not advisable for primary accounts.

Can Using a VPN or Proxy Server Cause Password Prompts?

Indeed, utilizing a VPN or proxy server may lead Microsoft servers to perceive sign-ins as originating from unfamiliar locations, thus resulting in repeated password prompts. You could try disabling your VPN or proxy and signing in again.

Do Multiple Microsoft Accounts on One Device Lead to Problems?

Yes, conflicts can occur if you have multiple Microsoft accounts logged in on the same device, potentially resulting in one or more accounts frequently requesting passwords. To resolve this, sign out of all accounts, erase saved credentials, and log in only with the required account.