How to Fix Microsoft Account Keeping Asking You to Sign In?

If Microsoft keeps asking you to sign in even though you are already logged in, it indicates that there is a problem with the credentials stored on your system. This is why you are being repeatedly asked to sign in to your Microsoft account after each restart. This only happens when the authentication credentials become outdated or corrupted in a very short time, such as after each restart in some cases.

The most common cause of this issue is outdated or conflicting credentials, which keep failing the authentication process. This issue can be very annoying and frustrating for affected users since they have to log in after each restart to use Microsoft apps. Therefore, to help resolve the issue, we have gathered verified solutions from public forums that worked for other users, so you don’t have to struggle to find the solutions.

Quick Fixes:

Before diving into detailed solutions, consider these quick checks:

• Check Internet Connection: Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet connection. Fluctuations can disrupt ongoing sessions and trigger repeated sign-in prompts.
• Update Windows and Apps: Go to Settings > Update & Security and check for any pending updates for Windows or Microsoft apps, as updates often resolve known bugs.
• Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might affect the authentication processes.
• Verify Time and Date Settings: Ensure the system clock is accurate by going to Settings > Time & Language. Incorrect time settings can lead to authentication errors.
• Disable VPN or Proxy: If you’re using a VPN or proxy, try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue, as these can sometimes interfere with sign-ins.

1. Clear Stored Credentials

When you log in to your Microsoft account, the system saves the authentication credentials in the Credential Manager, so Microsoft applications can use them to remember the user. This is similar to websites saving user credentials in cookies in the form of tokens.

When these credentials become corrupted, outdated, or conflicted, especially if you have multiple Microsoft accounts logged in, it can lead to this issue. Clearing these credentials will ensure that Windows is forced to request fresh login details, which can effectively resolve this issue.

Note: While clearing credentials often resolves issues related to stored authentication data, it might not address problems with the Microsoft account service itself. If you continue experiencing sign-in issues after performing this step, consider checking for service outages or exploring additional troubleshooting steps.

1. Press Win + S to open Windows Search.
2. Type Credential Manager and hit Enter to open it.
   
3. Select Windows Credentials, expand the MicrosoftAccountUser credential, and click Remove.
   
4. Repeat this step with all credentials related to Microsoft apps like Office, Outlook, or OneDrive.
5. Once done, restart your computer and sign in again to see if this solves the problem.

2. Go Passwordless with Your Microsoft Account

Going passwordless refers to a method of signing in to your Microsoft account using passwordless methods such as Windows Hello and the Microsoft Authenticator app. This solution seems to work for many affected users, so it’s worth trying.

1. Open the Microsoft account additional security options. You may be asked to sign in.
2. Toggle the “Passwordless Account” option to On under Additional Security.
   
3. Open the Play Store or App Store on your mobile device.
4. Install the Microsoft Authenticator.
   
5. Then, go back to the Microsoft website on your system and click Next.
6. Sign in to the Microsoft Authenticator app by scanning the QR Code displayed on your system.
   
7. Once done, this should enable passwordless authentication.
8. Now sign in to your Microsoft account on your computer.
9. Finally, restart your computer to see if your account stays logged in.

3. Temporarily Disable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Warning: Disabling MFA reduces security. Use this only temporarily and re-enable it to protect your account.

If you switch to a password-less account but the issue persists, you can try disabling any multi-factor authentication methods such as Microsoft Authenticator, SMS or email codes, and physical security keys. By doing so, you ensure there are no conflicts during the authentication process, particularly syncing issues between the sign-in request and receiving the code or using an authentication app.

If the MFA is configured incorrectly or does not sync properly with Microsoft servers, it can lead to repeated sign-in prompts. After disabling MFA, you can log in using only your primary credentials, such as your email and password, reducing the chances of sign-in interruptions and effectively resolving the issue.

1. Visit the Microsoft official website and sign in to your account.
2. Then, navigate to the Microsoft Account Security Page.
3. Here, turn off all Multi-Factor Authentication options such as Text a code, send sign-in notifications, and additional security options like Passwordless account and Two-step verification.
   
4. Once done, sign in again to your Microsoft account on your PC and verify if you are still facing the same issue.

If you have followed all the solutions above but are unable to resolve the issue, contacting the Microsoft Support team might be the best recommendation to get rid of this issue. They can provide further guidance and assistance to help you fix the problem.