Try or ByeTry or Bye

Can't Sign In to OneDrive (Error 0x8004de96 / 0x8004de85)

Workaround available Windows, Mac Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

These sign-in errors usually follow a password change or a mix-up between a personal Microsoft account and a work/school account. Sign out of OneDrive and sign back in with the right account.

Most likely fix: Sign in again with the new password.

Symptoms

OneDrive keeps asking for credentials, or shows error 0x8004de96, 0x8004de85 or 0x8004de8a when signing in to the desktop app.

Why it happens

  • Microsoft account password changed (0x8004de96)
  • Signing in with a personal account where a work/school account is expected, or vice versa (0x8004de85 / 0x8004de8a)
  • Network problems blocking sign-in (see 0x8004de40)

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Sign in again with the new password

    1. Open OneDrive Settings > Account > Unlink this PC
    2. Start OneDrive and sign in with your current password

  2. 2. Use the matching account type

    1. Check whether the email is a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account
    2. Remove the wrong account in OneDrive Settings > Account
    3. Add the correct account with Add an account

  3. 3. Rule out connection problems

    1. If the error is 0x8004de40 or 0x8004de88, follow the connection fixes (TLS 1.2, proxy, VPN)

This guide also covers

  • can't sign in to onedrive
  • onedrive error 0x8004de96
  • onedrive error 0x8004de85
  • onedrive keeps asking for password

Still not working?

If OneDrive keeps failing, you're not alone. See every OneDrive problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Other OneDrive errors