Outlook account requires me to login each time

There are a few different “sign-in every time” behaviors depending on where Outlook is used. Try the steps that match the scenario.

1. Outlook on the web (work or school account)

• When signing in to Outlook on the web, make sure Keep me signed in is selected so the browser remembers the session.
• If Outlook keeps asking for sign-in or the password is not accepted, the account password may need to be reset. If self-service password reset is enabled:
  • Go to https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/ and follow the prompts to reset the password.
  • If that page does not allow a reset, contact the organization’s admin to enable or perform the reset.

Once the password is stable and “Keep me signed in” is checked, the browser should not prompt every time unless cookies are cleared or private browsing is used.

2. Outlook.com / Hotmail in a browser (personal Microsoft account)

• Starting February 2025, the web sign-in experience keeps the user signed in automatically unless explicitly signing out or using private browsing.
• To stay signed in:
  • Avoid using InPrivate/Incognito windows for regular use.
  • Do not click Sign out unless needed.
  • Do not clear cookies/site data for Outlook.com or Microsoft account between sessions.

If signed in on a shared or public device and want to avoid others accessing the mailbox, use a private browsing window instead of relying on sign-out alone.

3. Outlook desktop app repeatedly asking for credentials If the Outlook desktop app (for example, Outlook 2016 or Microsoft 365 Apps) keeps prompting for a username and password even after saving credentials, this is often due to cached credentials or profile/auth issues.

Try these steps:

• Clear stored Windows credentials
  1. Open Control Panel → Credential Manager → Windows Credentials.
  2. Remove any entries related to Outlook, Microsoft Office, or Microsoft 365.
  3. Restart Outlook and sign in again when prompted.
• Clear Office identity cache (for Microsoft 365 Apps)
  1. Close all Office apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
  2. Go to C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\Microsoft.
  3. Delete the folders identitycache and oneauth.
  4. Reopen Outlook and sign in once more.
• Update Office (especially Outlook 2016)
  1. In Outlook, go to File → Account → Update Options → Update Now.
  2. Install all available updates and restart Outlook.

These steps typically stop Outlook from asking for credentials every time and allow the account to remain signed in.

If the account is managed by an organization, there may be security policies (e.g., conditional access, session timeouts) that intentionally require frequent sign-in; in that case, contact the organization’s IT admin to review those policies.

References:

• How to sign in to Outlook on the web
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• Sign out of Hotmail or Outlook.com
• Outlook 2016 keeps asking for username and password
• Do you know how to fix the issue where Outlook keeps prompting for a password even though credentials are saved - Microsoft Q&A
• How to fix the issue with MS Office asking you to log in every time you open an Office app - Microsoft Q&A
• Outlook ask for credentials every minute - Microsoft Q&A
• How to remove Microsoft Sign In - Microsoft Q&A