Quick answer
If Outlook repeatedly asks for your password, the problem is usually saved credentials, an expired token, or an incompatible sign-in method. Clear cached account data, check if modern authentication is enabled, and reset the Outlook profile if needed. In most cases, the solution is in the first few steps.
How to recognize the problem
- Outlook asks for password every time it starts, even though the correct one is entered
- The password is accepted, but the dialog reappears after a few minutes
- An error message about sign-in or expired credentials is displayed
- Sending and receiving messages works only after manually entering the password
- Other devices and webmail work normally, only Outlook on the computer asks for password
Most common causes
Saved wrong credentials
Windows and Outlook remember an old password or token that is no longer valid. This causes repeated sign-in prompts even when you enter the correct password.
Expired or invalid token
For Microsoft 365 accounts and accounts with modern authentication, the sign-in token may expire or be revoked. Outlook then asks you to sign in again.
Mismatched sign-in method
If the account has been moved to modern authentication but Outlook uses the old sign-in method, sign-in will repeat. The same applies to an outdated version of Outlook.
Corrupted Outlook profile
The profile contains account and cache data. If it gets corrupted, Outlook cannot save credentials and keeps asking for password.
Two-factor authentication and app passwords
For some IMAP/POP providers, if two-factor authentication is enabled, an app password is required. Microsoft 365 accounts usually require modern sign-in, so app passwords are often not available. Without the appropriate sign-in method, Outlook repeats the password prompt.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check if the password is correct
Sign in to webmail (e.g.,
outlook.comor Microsoft 365 portal) in a browser. If sign-in fails, the problem is with the account or password, not Outlook. In that case, first reset the password via the official account recovery page. - 2
Clear saved credentials in Windows
Open
Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials. Find entries containingMicrosoftOffice,Outlook, or your email address and remove them. Do not remove entries unrelated to Outlook. Then restart Outlook and enter the password. - 3
Remove and re-add the account in Outlook
In classic Outlook, go to
File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select the account and clickRemove, then re-add it viaNew. This clears cached sign-in data for that account. Before removing, make a backup if you use a POP account or have local data. - 4
Check if modern authentication is enabled
If you use Microsoft 365, check with your administrator whether the organization uses modern authentication and if the account is configured correctly. If you are an administrator, check the authentication settings for the organization in the Microsoft 365 admin center. If you are not an administrator, contact IT support. Also, in classic Outlook, go to
File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Nowand install any available updates. - 5
Reset Outlook profile (risky option)
Close Outlook. Open
Run(Win+R) and enteroutlook.exe /resetnavpaneto reset the navigation pane. This does not reset the profile. If the problem persists, inControl Panel > Mail > Show Profilesselect the profile and clickRemove, then create a new profile and re-add the account. Note: removing the profile may remove locally cached data and settings, so make a backup. - 6
Check app passwords for IMAP/POP
If you use an IMAP or POP account with a provider that supports app passwords and you have two-factor authentication enabled, generate an app password in your email account settings. Then enter it in Outlook instead of your regular password. Also check that Outlook has the correct encryption method (
SSL/TLS) and port selected. - 7
Repair the account via Mail applet
In
Control Panel > Mail > Email Accounts, select the account and clickRepairif that option is available. If that doesn't help, remove the account and add it again. Then start Outlook and check if it still asks for password. - 8
Check if it's a network or VPN issue
Sometimes VPN or proxy interfere with sign-in. Turn off VPN and try again. If you are on a corporate network, check if port 443 or 993 for IMAP is available.
If nothing helps
If you have tried all steps and Outlook still asks for password, the problem may be on the server side or in the organization's policy. Check if the account is locked due to too many sign-in attempts. In the Microsoft 365 admin center, check the account status and whether re-sign-in or device registration for conditional access is required. Also, temporarily disable all add-ins in classic Outlook (File > Options > Add-ins) and start Outlook in safe mode (outlook.exe /safe). If the problem occurs on only one computer, create a new Windows user profile and set up Outlook there. For business accounts, contact your administrator as compliance or access policies may need updating.
How to prevent it
- Regularly update Outlook and Windows.
- Use modern authentication where available.
- Do not store passwords in multiple applications simultaneously.
- Occasionally clear saved credentials in Windows Credential Manager.
When to call a professional
If you are an administrator in an organization or the problem affects multiple users, it is better to contact IT support. They can check server policies, account status, and possible infrastructure errors.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does Outlook ask for password even though it is correct?
Most often because old credentials are saved in Windows or the sign-in token has expired. Clear them in Credential Manager and re-enter the password.
Is it safe to delete the Outlook profile?
Deleting the profile removes local settings and cache, but not messages on the server. Before that, back up your data if you use a POP account.
How do I know if I need an app password?
If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your account and Outlook keeps returning to sign-in, check with your provider if an app password is required. Microsoft 365 accounts usually require modern sign-in, so app passwords are often not available. If they are available, generate one in your email account settings.