Repeated Outlook password prompts usually mean Outlook is holding an old saved credential or the account authentication method has changed. Typing the same password again and again rarely fixes the loop until the stale credential is removed.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Outlook for Microsoft 365 and Outlook 2021 or 2019 on Windows or Mac with Microsoft 365, Exchange, IMAP, or POP mail accounts.
Clear the saved credential and sign in again
This fixes many password loops.
- Close Outlook completely.
- On Windows, open Credential Manager from the Start menu and choose Windows Credentials.
- Remove entries related to Outlook, Microsoft Office, MicrosoftOffice16_Data, or your email address.
- On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for Outlook or the email address, and delete matching saved-password entries.
- Reopen Outlook and enter the password again.
- Choose Remember my credentials if Outlook offers the option.
Check MFA and account settings
If the prompt returns, confirm the account itself can sign in.
- Sign in through Outlook on the web or portal.office.com to confirm the password works.
- If the account uses multi-factor authentication, ask IT whether an app password or modern-authentication update is required.
- Run Outlook account Repair from Account Settings.
- For work devices on Windows, check Settings > Accounts > Access work or school for accounts needing attention.
- Remove and re-add the mail account if the connection remains mismatched.
More control
Compare new and classic Outlook
New Outlook and classic Outlook use different sign-in plumbing. Switch versions temporarily to see whether the issue is tied to one app experience.
Shared mailbox prompts
If only a shared mailbox asks for a password, it may require separate permission or credential cleanup. Ask the mailbox administrator to confirm access.
Try without autofill
A password manager can sometimes fill an old value into the Outlook prompt. Type the password manually once while testing.
Update Outlook
Install Office updates from File > Account > Update Options on Windows or Help > Check for Updates on Mac, since authentication bugs are often patched.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Outlook prompts you for a password (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Fix Outlook connection issues (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Manage or delete saved credentials in Credential Manager (2025)