How to Fix Outlook When It Keeps Asking for Your Password

Why Does Outlook Keep Asking for Your Password?

This is one of the most common Outlook issues. You type your password, click OK, and a few minutes later Outlook asks for it again. Sometimes it happens every time you open Outlook, other times it starts randomly.

The most common causes are:

• Your password was recently changed and Outlook has not updated
• Saved credentials in Windows are outdated
• Your Microsoft 365 account requires re-authentication
• An Outlook profile has become corrupted
• Two-factor authentication settings have changed

Quick Fixes to Try First

Fix 1: Enter Your Password Carefully

It sounds obvious, but start here:

• When the password prompt appears, clear the field completely
• Type your current password carefully (check Caps Lock)
• Tick the "Remember my credentials" checkbox
• Click OK

If you recently changed your password, make sure you are using the new one — not the old one.

Fix 2: Close and Reopen Outlook

Sometimes the password prompt gets stuck in a loop:

• Close Outlook completely
• Wait 10 seconds
• Reopen Outlook
• Enter your password when prompted

Fix 3: Restart Your Computer

A restart clears cached authentication tokens that may be causing the issue.

Clearing Saved Credentials (Windows)

If the quick fixes did not work, outdated saved credentials are likely the problem.

Step 1: Open Credential Manager

• Click the Start button
• Type Credential Manager and open it
• Click Windows Credentials

Step 2: Remove Old Outlook Credentials

• Look for entries that include:

- MicrosoftOffice16_Data - outlook.office365.com - outlook.office.com - Any entry with your email address

• Click each one and select Remove
• Confirm the removal

Step 3: Restart Outlook

• Close Outlook completely
• Reopen Outlook
• When prompted, enter your current password
• Tick Remember my credentials
• Click OK

This forces Outlook to create fresh, correct credentials.

Updating Your Outlook Profile

If clearing credentials did not help, your Outlook profile may need updating.

Step 1: Access Account Settings

• In Outlook, click File
• Click Account Settings > Account Settings
• Select your email account
• Click Repair

Step 2: Run the Repair

• Outlook will attempt to automatically fix your account settings
• Follow the prompts and enter your password when asked
• Restart Outlook when the repair completes

Checking Two-Factor Authentication

If your organisation recently enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) or changed security settings, Outlook may need an app password or a fresh sign-in.

For Microsoft 365 Accounts

• Go to myaccount.microsoft.com
• Sign in and check your security settings
• If 2FA is enabled, Outlook should prompt you to authenticate through your Authenticator app — not with your regular password

If Outlook is asking for a password instead of sending a 2FA prompt, you may need to:

• Remove the account from Outlook
• Re-add it using Auto Account Setup
• Complete the 2FA sign-in when prompted

Creating a New Outlook Profile (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, creating a new Outlook profile will resolve most persistent password issues.

Step 1: Open Mail Settings

• Close Outlook
• Open Control Panel
• Search for Mail and open Mail (Microsoft Outlook)
• Click Show Profiles

Step 2: Create a New Profile

• Click Add
• Give the profile a name (e.g., "New Profile")
• Click OK
• Enter your email address and password
• Follow the setup wizard

Step 3: Set as Default

• Under When starting Microsoft Outlook, use this profile, select your new profile
• Click OK
• Open Outlook — it will set up with fresh settings

Note: Creating a new profile does not delete your emails. Your emails are stored on the server (Microsoft 365) and will re-download when you set up the new profile.

If You Are Using Outlook on Mac

Step 1: Remove and Re-Add Your Account

• Open Outlook
• Click Outlook in the menu bar > Preferences
• Click Accounts
• Select your account and click the minus (-) button to remove it
• Click the plus (+) button to add it back
• Enter your email and password

Step 2: Clear Keychain (If Needed)

• Open Keychain Access (search for it with Spotlight)
• Search for Exchange or Office
• Delete any matching entries
• Restart Outlook and sign in again

Troubleshooting

Password prompt keeps coming back after every fix

• Your IT administrator may need to check your account in the Microsoft 365 admin centre
• There could be a licensing issue or a conditional access policy blocking Outlook

"We are unable to connect right now" message

• This usually indicates a network issue, not a password problem
• Check your internet connection and try again

Outlook works in the browser but not on desktop

• This points to a local Outlook issue, not an account problem
• Creating a new Outlook profile usually resolves this

Need Help?

If Outlook keeps asking for your password after trying these steps, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162. We can check your account settings remotely.