You'll need Internet for this activity

Question

I try to sign into Microsoft 365 on my personal account to use Word, but it does not sign me in and is says that I need internet for this activity. However, this happens even when I am signed into the internet/wifi. How do I solve this problem?

Answer 1

Can you go check your Windows Settings > Windows update, and see if you might have  KB5085516 available to install?

KB5085516 was released on March 21st to address Microsoft account sign in issue among some apps caused by KB5079473 https://support.microsoft.com/topic/march-21-2026-kb5085516-os-builds-26200-8039-and-26100-8039-out-of-band-09e85404-1cb6-4ed4-9ca5-3e40d74307b9

Answer 2

Use these steps to resolve the “You’ll need Internet for this activity” message when signing into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, even though the device is already online:

1. Confirm Windows can actually reach the Internet
   • On the same PC, open a browser and go to a public site such as https://www.msn.com.
   • If that page does not load, fix the network issue first (Wi‑Fi signal, router, or ISP) before troubleshooting Office.
   • If it loads, continue.
2. Check Windows network status from the sign-in screen
   • On the Windows lock/sign-in screen, select Network and make sure the PC is connected.
   • If using Wi‑Fi, reconnect to the wireless network.
   • If using Ethernet, unplug and firmly reinsert the cable until it clicks.
   • If problems persist, test the Internet connection using another device on the same network.
3. Fix limited connectivity or proxy/firewall issues
   • In a browser, verify again that normal sites work and that corporate or security software is not blocking Microsoft 365.
   • If behind a firewall or proxy, ensure it allows access to Microsoft 365 endpoints such as *.microsoftonline.com, *.sharepoint.com, *.outlook.com, etc., over ports 80 and 443. If this is a managed or work network, contact the network admin to configure these exceptions.
4. Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
   • Download and run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant using the Office sign-in scenario. It automatically checks and fixes common Office sign-in problems.
5. Check for local profile/credential issues
   • If the problem started recently and only on this PC, it can be related to cached identity data (for example, OneDrive or Office profile corruption). Removing and reconnecting the profile has resolved similar issues:
     • Sign out of Office and OneDrive on the PC.
     • Disconnect any old work/school accounts from Settings > Accounts > Access work or school if present.
     • Reboot the PC.
     • Open Word and sign in again with the personal Microsoft account used for the Microsoft 365 subscription.
6. Ensure Microsoft 365 can periodically reach the Internet
   • Microsoft 365 desktop apps must connect to the Internet regularly (at least every 39 days) to stay activated. If they cannot reach Microsoft’s services, they may show connectivity or activation errors.
   • Once connectivity is working, open Word, sign in, and leave the PC online so the apps can reactivate.

If none of these steps work and other apps can reach the Internet normally, contact Microsoft Support and mention that Microsoft 365 apps report “need Internet for this activity” even though Windows networking is working, so they can check for deeper profile or OS issues.

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References:

• What’s the difference between a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and the free web apps?
• Sign in to Microsoft 365
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• How to troubleshoot non-browser apps that can't sign in to Microsoft 365, Azure, or Intune
• Sign in issues when activating Microsoft 365 Apps
• Unable to sign into account - says I am not connected to Internet but I am - Microsoft Q&A
• Can't sign in to microsoft 365 desktop apps - Microsoft Q&A