Go to any Office app and ensure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account linked to your license. Remove and re-add your account under the "Account" settings of the app if needed. If this doesn’t work, reset the credentials in your Windows Credential Manager mailbox not updating on IMAP or contact Microsoft support for further assistance. Despite its robust feature set and user-friendly design, it’s not uncommon for end users and IT professionals to encounter sign-in and activation issues. If you or your employees can’t sign in to Office 365, or if the applications repeatedly prompt for activation, productivity can grind to a halt. Yes, Microsoft 365 works offline for most apps like Word and Excel.

How do I fix the ‘Product Activation Failed’ error in Microsoft 365?

By verifying the basics—correct credentials, valid license assignments, and stable network access—you’ll often fix the issue without delving into more complex solutions. Clearing cached credentials, running a repair, or using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) can also address common local device issues. Verify that you’re logged into recreate Outlook profile step by step the correct Microsoft account both in OneDrive and Office apps. If syncing is paused, resume it from the OneDrive system tray icon.

Recover your account

If the issue persists, Microsoft has created a dedicated tool called Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) to automate many troubleshooting tasks. The tool will ask you to enter the email address or mobile phone number you're trying to sign in with and check the details you provide. If we detect a problem with your account, we'll tell you what you need to do to solve the problem.

3 Step 3: Verify Network Connectivity and Firewall Settings

• If you or your employees can’t sign in to Office 365, or if the applications repeatedly prompt for activation, productivity can grind to a halt.
• Larger files may cause a temporary slowdown, so ensure your device has adequate memory.
• Slow performance can be due to heavy CPU usage or low available memory.
• Start with the basics and move toward more advanced methods only if necessary.
• If your account is locked due to multiple unsuccessful login attempts, wait for the lockout period to end.
• In many cases, performing simple checks—like verifying correct usernames and valid licensing—will resolve the issue quickly.

For manual uninstallation, delete leftover Office files in Program Files or Library folders, and clear Microsoft credentials from your system to ensure a clean reinstall if required. If your account is compromised or hacked, use Microsoft’s sign-in helper to recover your account and reset your security settings. If you are unable to do this and have exhausted all the other fixes, then contact Microsoft Support for professional account recovery. Microsoft 365 is a vital tool for many businesses, and login issues can significantly disrupt day-to-day operations. In this guide, we will take an in-depth look at troubleshooting and resolving common Microsoft 365 login problems so you can keep your business running smoothly. If you’re confident your credentials are correct and the sign-in still fails, proceed to the next step for deeper inspection of license status and subscription details.

Microsoft 365 Troubleshooting – Quick Fixes for Common Problems

Use the Microsoft 365 activation troubleshooter to resolve Microsoft 365 subscription activation issues. Slow performance guide to Office 365 sign-in errors can be due to heavy CPU usage or low available memory. Close unused tabs, background processes, or applications to free up system resources.