Authentication loop

Question

Authentication loop

Hi, I need help with my Microsoft account. I can enter my email and password, and it seems to accept the login, but after signing in it does not load my Microsoft account page.

Instead, it goes to a blank white screen or says something like “Processing Authentication.” Then it switches between the sign-in page and the Microsoft account page a few times before eventually kicking me back out to the sign-in screen.

This has been happening since around February, and I still cannot access my Microsoft account dashboard/settings.

I have already tried:

• Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome
• Safari
• Different devices
• Different networks/Wi-Fi/mobile data
• Clearing browser data/cookies
• Private/incognito mode

The same problem keeps happening, so it does not seem like a normal browser issue.

It looks like my password is accepted, but the Microsoft authentication handoff from http://login.live.com/ to http://account.microsoft.com/ is failing or looping.

I am not getting a normal “account locked” message or a recovery screen. It just loops/white-screens and signs me out.

Answer 1

Hi, Spencer

This does not sound like a normal browser cache problem anymore, especially since it happens on different browsers, devices, and networks. It looks more like the account is passing the password step, but the Microsoft sign-in session is failing when it hands off between login.live.com and account.microsoft.com.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

First, go directly to https://login.live.com/, sign in there, then open a new tab and manually go to https://account.microsoft.com/. Do not use an old bookmark or saved link.

If you are on Windows, open Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials, then remove old entries related to Microsoft, MicrosoftAccount, login.live.com, or account.microsoft.com. Restart the PC and try again.

In Edge, also check that Microsoft sites are not split across different security/trusted-site settings. If any Microsoft sign-in site is added as trusted, it is recommended that all related Microsoft sign-in sites are added consistently, otherwise cookies may not pass correctly.

If it still loops, use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper rather than password reset, because your password appears to be accepted. Choose the option closest to “I can sign in but can’t access my account page.”

Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators and contributors, including external Microsoft employees, are not allowed to directly interfere with Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited solely to providing technical guidance on reported incidents, requests, or ideas. 

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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