Keep running into a "Something went wrong" error after entering my school authorization code into my Excel desktop app.

Patrick Nicolas 0 Reputation points
2026-10-22T22:20:43.5233333+00:00

I've tried reinstalling the program and that didnt seem to work. This problem only occurs for 365 desktop apps.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For education | Windows
0 comments No comments

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Stefan Blom 357.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-22T23:45:55.7066667+00:00

    I can confirm that I can sign into the web version

    I cannot access the account section in excel as it states, log in, create an account, or close excel.

    I can access the desktop version of excel on my macbook.

    Since this works on another device, your Macbook, you may want to double-check the license type. Is the product name Microsoft 365? Or does the product name include the word Office, as in Office Home & Business 2024?

    Was this answer helpful?


  2. Hendrix 2,770 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-22T23:11:24.4+00:00

    Hi Patrick,

    Since the issue occurs only in the desktop applications, I’d like to narrow down whether this is an activation issue, a licensing issue, or a problem with the desktop sign-in component.

    Could you please confirm the following?

    • Does the error include a number or code, such as 1001, 0x80070005, etc.? If possible, please share a screenshot with personal information hidden.
    • Can you sign in and use Excel in Excel on the web?
    • In Excel, under File > Account, does it show Unlicensed Product, Activation Required, or your school account?
    • Can you use the desktop applications on another computer with the same school account?
    • Please also sign in to the Microsoft 365 portal with your school account and check whether you have the "Install apps" option

    Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Hope to hear from you soon.

    Was this answer helpful?


  3. AI answer

    2026-10-22T22:20:57.1166667+00:00

    Since reinstalling did not help and the issue only affects Microsoft 365 desktop apps, the next supported fixes are local sign-in and app repair steps.

    1. Restart Windows, then sign back in and try Excel again.
    2. Repair Microsoft 365.
      • Windows 11: Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features > select Microsoft 365 > Advanced options > Repair. If that does not help, use Reset if available.
      • Windows 10: Right-click Start > Apps and Features > select Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 > Modify > choose Online Repair > Repair.
      • Note: this repairs the full Office suite, not just Excel.
    3. Check the work or school account connection in Windows.
      • Open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
      • If the school account is listed, disconnect it, then connect it again and sign in with the school account.
      • Then open Excel and try signing in again.
    4. If the sign-in error is specifically Something went wrong [1001], two known causes are documented:
      • security software interfering with the Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin sign-in component
      • user profile management issues, including roamed profile data causing authentication data to become invalid
    5. For temporary relief for the [1001] sign-in issue, restart the device. Microsoft also documents a WAM repair in user-mode PowerShell:
    Add-AppxPackage -Register "$env:windir\SystemApps\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin\_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode -ForceApplicationShutdown
    Add-AppxPackage -Register "$env:windir\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.CloudExperienceHost\_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode -ForceApplicationShutdown
    
    1. If Office still fails to start or sign in after repair, uninstall and reinstall Microsoft 365 using the Microsoft uninstall troubleshooter, then reinstall Office.
    2. If installation or reinstall is blocked by proxy, firewall, antivirus, or connection issues, use the Microsoft 365 offline installer.

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

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.