SharePoint Keeps Asking for Credentials After Accessing Backend Page

Question

Hello,

I have a SharePoint 2019 on-prem publishing site published and working fine designated mainly for anonymous access.

It is working fine as long as I do not access a backend page such as the Site Contents page where it asks for credentials. When I provide credentials, it logs in fine but it starts asking for credentials on all pages whether anonymous or not given that I did not do any modification just logged in.

My aim is to ensure that all pages are for anon access and they never ask for credentials while backend pages require authentication.

One thing to note, if I ignore the credentials I get 401 on some images or asset files (css, js) though I am sure all of them are checked in and published. It is not happening always, it happens only after I successfully login, close and reopen the site again as an anon user.

Also, even when I sign in, I need to provide my credentials multiple times to fully sign in.

Answer 1

Hi @Mohammed Abed,

Per my research, you can take following steps to fix constant login prompts in SharePoint 2019

1. Browser Settings: Check the browser settings in Microsoft Edge to ensure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled. SharePoint relies on cookies and JavaScript for authentication and functionality, so disabling them could lead to login issues.
2. Intranet Zone Settings: Add your SharePoint site to the "Local Intranet" zone in Edge. This can be done by going to "Settings" > "Site permissions" > "Intranet" and adding the SharePoint site URL.
3. Compatibility View: Try enabling or disabling Compatibility View in Edge. Sometimes, enabling Compatibility View can resolve authentication and rendering issues with SharePoint.
4. Credential Manager: Clear any stored credentials related to your SharePoint site in the Windows Credential Manager. This will ensure that you start fresh with the correct credentials.
5. Edge Updates: Ensure that you have the latest updates for Microsoft Edge. An outdated browser version might have compatibility issues with modern SharePoint sites.
6. Windows Update: Check for Windows updates and install any available updates. Sometimes, Windows updates include fixes for browser and authentication-related issues.
7. Authentication Provider Order: In SharePoint Central Administration, verify the authentication provider order. Make sure that the preferred authentication provider (Claims NTLM in your case) is at the top of the list.
8. Check for Loopback Check: Although you mentioned you tried disabling the loopback check in the registry, double-check that the setting was applied correctly. The registry change should be made on the SharePoint server.
9. Alternative Browsers: If the issue persists in Edge, try accessing the SharePoint site in other browsers like Chrome or Firefox. This can help determine if the problem is specific to Edge or if it's a broader issue.
10. External Users: Since external users are also experiencing the same issue, it might indicate a broader problem with authentication or DNS. Consult with your network and DNS administrators to ensure that external users are able to resolve and access the SharePoint site properly.
11. Clear Browser Cache: Clear the browser cache in Microsoft Edge to ensure that you are not experiencing issues due to cached data.

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Answer 2

The simple answer - all of the settings may apply BUT a few things to save you some time:

1. If any browser is open, close it.
2. Open the Control Panel - click on the Internet Options icon - this opens a Popup window.
3. Click the Security tab - Internet, Local Internet, Trusted Sites and Restricted Sites icons are shown (for each zone); click the Trusted Sites icon.
4. Click the Sites button and make sure the site is listed as a trusted site (it should be by default, if not, add it using the Add button) - if listed, just click Close - NOTE: If Http: vs. Https: be sure to uncheck the Require server verification checkbox then click Close. Just make sure the site is listed.
5. Change the Security Level to Low - click OK to complete.

Done and done - open CA again using the Icon (or enter the URL) - no prompt!