Why Does SharePoint Keep Asking for My Credentials?

If you are using Microsoft 365 SharePoint and constantly get prompted to enter your username and password, you are not alone. Many users experience repeated credential prompts, which can disrupt productivity and create frustration. This article explains the most common reasons why SharePoint keeps asking for credentials and how to resolve the issue.

Common Reasons SharePoint Keeps Asking for Credentials

1. Cached Credentials Conflicts

Windows stores login information to make sign-ins seamless. However, if your cached credentials are outdated or conflicting with your Microsoft 365 account, SharePoint may repeatedly request authentication.

Solution:
Open the Windows Credential Manager and remove old or duplicate MicrosoftOffice or SharePoint entries. Sign back in with your correct Microsoft 365 account.

2. Incorrect Internet Explorer or Edge Settings

SharePoint Online relies on browser settings for authentication. If Internet Explorer mode or security settings are misconfigured, the login prompt may appear again and again.

Solution:
In Internet Options, add your SharePoint site to Trusted Sites and ensure that Automatic Logon is enabled for intranet zones.

3. Multiple Accounts in the Browser

If you are signed into more than one Microsoft account in your browser, SharePoint can become confused and prompt for credentials each time you switch.

Solution:
Log out of personal accounts when working in SharePoint Online, or use different browser profiles to keep work and personal accounts separate.

4. Office Application Authentication Issues

If you are opening SharePoint documents directly in Word, Excel, or other Office apps, the apps may fail to use your cached credentials.

Solution:
Sign out and back in from your Office applications under File > Account. Ensure you are signed in with the correct Microsoft 365 account.

5. Outdated Office or Windows Updates

Authentication problems often occur when Office or Windows are not updated to the latest version.

Solution:
Run Windows Update and check for Office updates in any Office app under File > Account > Update Options.

Best Practices to Prevent Credential Prompts

• Use one consistent work account for Microsoft 365.
• Keep Office and Windows updated.
• Manage multiple accounts with separate browser profiles.
• Regularly clear old credentials from Credential Manager.

By addressing these common causes, you can usually stop SharePoint from constantly asking for your username and password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint Online log me out automatically?
SharePoint Online uses session timeouts for security. If you are inactive for a period of time, you may need to sign in again.

Do I need to use Internet Explorer for SharePoint?
No. Modern browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and Firefox fully support SharePoint Online. However, Internet Options settings in Windows still affect authentication in some cases.

What if Credential Manager does not fix the issue?
If clearing cached credentials does not work, try removing and re-adding your work account in Windows settings under Accounts > Access work or school.

Can my IT department enforce repeated logins?
Yes. If your organization uses conditional access policies or multi-factor authentication, you may be required to log in more often for security reasons.

Conclusion

If SharePoint keeps asking for your credentials, the cause is usually cached login conflicts, browser account issues, or outdated software. By following the solutions outlined above, you can often resolve the problem and enjoy a smoother SharePoint experience. If the issue persists, contact your IT administrator as organization-specific security policies may be in place.