Trying to log into my email account and I'm stuck in a password loop

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with Outlook where it continually prompts for your password when trying to add an account. This can happen due to the Logon network security setting being incorrectly configured. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Check Logon Network Security Setting: If you are using an older version of Outlook, you may need to change the Logon network security setting to Anonymous Authentication. To do this:
   • Exit Outlook.
   • Open Control Panel and navigate to Mail.
   • Click Show Profiles, select your Outlook profile, and then click Properties.
   • Click E-mail Accounts, select your email account, and then click Change.
   • In the Change Account dialog box, click More Settings.
   • Go to the Security tab and set the Logon network security to Anonymous Authentication.
   • Click OK, then Next, and finish the setup.
2. Run the Self-Diagnostics Tool: If you are using a newer version of Outlook, you can run the self-diagnostics tool by selecting Diag: Outlook keeps asking for my password to identify and fix the issue.
3. Check for Updates: Ensure that your Outlook application is updated to the latest version, as updates can fix bugs and improve performance.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to check the Microsoft support forums for additional troubleshooting tips.

References:

• Outlook continually prompts for your password when you try to connect to Microsoft 365
• Outlook continually prompts for your password when you try to connect to Microsoft 365
• Outlook continually prompts for your password when you try to connect to Microsoft 365

Hello @Thomas

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Community! 

Thank you for contacting us regarding the issue you are experiencing with adding your email account back to Outlook. I understand that you are encountering repeated password prompts. 

To make sure we're aligned and avoid from any misunderstanding, please let me know a few details about your issue by answering these questions: 

1. As you mentioned that you have business accounts, may I have your reconfirmation if the account that you can't sign in is a personal account (e.g., @hotmail.com, @outlook.com), an education account (e.g., @school.edu), or a work account (e.g., @yourcompany.com)? 
2. Kindly confirm which version of Outlook you are using, for example Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2019, or another version. 
3. Does this account have Multi-Factor Authentication enabled? If so, are you using an App Password or your standard password? 
4. Please specify the operating system on your device. 
5. Have there been any recent changes such as password updates, Outlook updates, or system updates? 
6. When the password prompt reappears, do you see any error message, or does it simply return to the sign-in screen without explanation? A screenshot of it would be of great help! 

While waiting for your response, you may try the following preliminary steps which often resolve similar issues: 

Ensure that Outlook is updated to the latest version available. 

Clear any cached credentials related to Outlook or your email account from the Windows Credential Manager. 

• Press Windows + S, type Credential Manager.  
• Go to Windows Credentials  
• Look for any entries related to your old work or Microsoft 365 account (e.g., MicrosoftOffice16_Data:<your_email>)  
• Click Remove on those entries  

Create a new Outlook profile through Control Panel under Mail settings and attempt to add the account there. For detailed instructions, kindly read Create an Outlook profile - Microsoft Support 

Once I have the requested information, I will provide a more targeted solution to resolve the issue. Please let me know if you would like further support. I am happy to help! 

I understand that the initial steps I recommended may not have fully resolved the issue, as there could be additional factors we have not yet identified. Please rest assured that I am committed to supporting you throughout this process. I will work closely with you to troubleshoot and explore every possible solution to ensure we achieve the best outcome.  

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