OneNote sync fails due to persistent account sign-in hangs (Error Code: 657rx)

Eddy 0 Reputation points
2026-11-10T18:31:52.1966667+00:00

I am experiencing a persistent sign-in and synchronization issue with my Microsoft account, which is preventing OneNote from syncing my latest content

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For education | Windows
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  1. Jayden-P 4,305 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-10T18:48:44.8733333+00:00

    Hi @Eddy

    As you're encountering the 657rx error code, please try the steps below. I gathered them from similar cases that were successfully resolved. I've also included screenshots to make the process easier to follow.

    1/ Sign Out of All Microsoft Applications

    Sign out of the affected account in all Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and OneDrive. Then, completely close all Microsoft applications.

    2/ Clear Cached Authentication Tokens

    Press "Windows + R", paste the following path into the Run dialog, then select OK: %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy

    Once the folder opens in File Explorer, delete all files and folders inside.

    This process clears cached authentication tokens that may be contributing to the issue.

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    3/ Delete the saved credentials:

    Open Credential Manager Go to "Windows Credentials" Find any entries related to Microsoft 365, Office, and delete them to erase old authentication tokens

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    4/ Disconnect and Reconnect Work/School account

    Go to "Settings" > "Accounts" > "Access Work or School" Select your business account and click "Disconnect" Then click Connect and re-add your account

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    5/ Confirm Account Sign-In

    Restart your device. Before signing back in to Outlook or any other Microsoft 365 application, access the web version of Outlook or another Microsoft 365 service and sign in with the affected account. This helps confirm that the account can authenticate successfully and is not being blocked by a credential-related issue. If the sign-in is successful, proceed to sign back in to Outlook and any other Microsoft 365 applications.

    Once you have completed the steps above, please let me know the outcome and whether the issue persists.

    I look forward to hearing back from you.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-10T18:32:08.61+00:00

    For OneNote on Windows, persistent sign-in hangs that block sync are typically handled by refreshing authentication, verifying the notebook opens in OneNote for the web, and then clearing stored Microsoft Office credentials if repeated sign-in prompts continue.

    1. In OneNote, click the sync error message near the top of the app window.
      • This refreshes the session.
      • If prompted, sign in with the same account that the notebook is associated with.
    2. Verify the account is correct.
      • Use the same Microsoft account or work/school account that owns the notebook.
      • If the password was changed recently, sign in again with the updated password.
    3. Test the notebook in OneNote for the web.
      • Go to https://www.onenote.com and sign in with the same account.
      • If the notebook opens there, close the OneNote app.
      • Then go to https://www.onedrive.com, sign in with the same account, open the notebook in the browser, and select Open In OneNote.
      • If prompted, sign in again in the desktop app.
    4. If the issue is repeated sign-in prompts on Windows, clear stored credentials.
      • Close OneNote and any open browser windows.
      • Open Start > Settings.
      • Search for Credential Manager and open it.
      • Select Windows Credentials.
      • Remove entries whose labels begin with MicrosoftAccount and MicrosoftOffice.
      • Restart the device.
      • Open OneNote and sign in again.
    5. If the notebook still does not show the latest content, check whether the notebook itself has the newest changes in the service.
      • In the OneNote desktop app, select File.
      • On the Info tab, copy the notebook URL shown below the notebook name.
      • Paste that URL into a browser and open it.
      • If the browser version does not show the latest changes, the device where those edits were made may not have completed syncing.
    6. If this affects desktop Microsoft apps more broadly, check Windows Update for KB5085516, which was released to address a Microsoft account sign-in issue in some apps caused by KB5079473.

    Important: while troubleshooting sync issues, signing out of OneNote, removing the app, or reinstalling it can result in data loss if recent notes have not synced yet.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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