Unable to sign in and sync OneDrive due to credential error

David Felix 0 Reputation points
2026-10-25T01:26:11.4633333+00:00

I am trying to re-enter my credentials to resume syncing OneDrive, but I keep encountering an error during sign-in. As a result, OneDrive is unable to sync my files.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Hani-Ng 2,835 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-25T01:43:03.0466667+00:00

    Hi David Felix

    I recommend working through AI's suggestions first, as they address the most common causes of OneDrive credential-related sign-in issues.

    If the problem continues, a few additional things to check are:

    • Confirm whether the affected account has an active OneDrive/Microsoft 365 license assigned.
    • Try signing in to OneDrive on the web with the same account to determine whether the issue is specific to the desktop client or affects the account generally.
    • If your organization uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), verify that the authentication method is working correctly and that you can complete any required verification prompts.
    • Check whether the same account can sign in to other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Outlook or Teams, on the affected device.

    If this is a work or school account, your Microsoft 365 administrator may also be able to review the account's sign-in activity and identify any authentication or policy-related blocks.

    If you can share the exact error message or a screenshot (with any personal information removed), we may be able to provide more specific guidance.

    I hope this information helps and look forward to your response.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. AI answer

    2026-10-25T01:26:27.36+00:00

    For a OneDrive sign-in credential error on Windows, use this sequence:

    1. Verify the correct account is being used.
      • Select the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.
      • Go to Help & Settings > Settings > Account.
      • Confirm the expected work or school account is shown. A personal Microsoft account and a work or school account are not interchangeable for OneDrive sign-in.
    2. Clear the cached pre-sign-in settings.
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Enter: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings
      • Delete: PreSignInSettingsConfig.json
      • Start OneDrive again and try signing in.
    3. If OneDrive shows as disconnected, restart it.
      • Open Start and search for OneDrive.
      • Launch OneDrive and sign in again.
    4. Rule out network filtering if sign-in still fails.
      • If browsing works but OneDrive still cannot connect, test with a mobile hotspot.
      • If sign-in works on the hotspot, a firewall, VPN, router, or ISP filtering issue is likely blocking OneDrive authentication traffic.
    5. If the error indicates an account mismatch, use the correct identity.
      • If the message includes "Selected user account does not exist in tenant 'Microsoft Services'" or "cannot access the application '00000003-0000-0ff1-ce00-000000000000'", that means a personal Microsoft account is being used for a work or school OneDrive site.
      • Sign in with the work or school Entra ID instead.
    6. If the issue started after a password change and the credential refresh does not help, reinstalling OneDrive is supported.
      • Uninstalling or disabling OneDrive does not delete files. Files remain available by signing in to OneDrive on the web.
    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.