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
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  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.

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  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.

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