| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Error | Word Login Failed / Account Error |
| Primary Fix | Clear Microsoft Office Credentials via Windows Vault |
| Estimated Time | 5 Minutes |
| Required Access | Local Administrator Rights |
What is clearing Office credentials to fix login error?
Clearing Office credentials is a troubleshooting technique used to resolve authentication loops and the “Word Login Failed” error. When you sign in to Microsoft 365, Windows stores your identity in a local cache.
Over time, these stored tokens can become corrupted or outdated. This prevents Word, Excel, or Outlook from recognizing your current subscription status. By clearing these entries, you force the software to create a fresh, secure connection to Microsoft servers.
This process does not delete your documents. It simply resets the “handshake” between your computer and your Microsoft account. It is often the final solution when signing out and back in manually fails to work.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Method 1: Using the Windows Credential Manager
The Credential Manager is the primary storage for your login data. Removing specific Office entries here usually resolves most “Account Error” notifications.
1. Close all open Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
2. Open the Start Menu and type “Credential Manager.”
3. Select Windows Credentials.
4. Scroll down to the “Generic Credentials” section.
5. Look for entries starting with MicrosoftOffice16_Data: or mso_admed.
6. Click the arrow next to each entry and select Remove.
7. Restart Word and sign in again.
Method 2: Clearing the Identity Registry Key
If the Credential Manager doesn’t work, you may need to reset the identity folder via the Registry. This forces the Office activation wizard to trigger on next launch.
# Note: Use these paths to navigate the Windows Registry Editor
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Identity\Identities
Delete the folders located under “Identities” to wipe the local cached profiles. Please ensure you back up your registry before making changes.
Method 3: Resetting Activation State via Command Line
For advanced users or IT admins, you can use a script to clear the local token cache. This is particularly useful if the “Word Login Failed” error persists after a password change.
# Run these commands in an elevated prompt to clear Office tokens
cd %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Licensing
del /f /q *
# This clears the local licensing cache
Method 4: Disconnecting Work or School Accounts
Sometimes the error is caused by a conflict between your Windows login and your Office login.
1. Go to Windows Settings > Accounts.
2. Click on Access work or school.
3. Find the account you are having trouble with.
4. Select Disconnect and confirm.
5. Open Word and try logging in again to re-link the account correctly.