How Do You Fix “Sign In Required” Errors on Windows 11? Proven Steps to Overcome This Persistent Frustration

Why Does “Sign In Required – Your Device Is Having Problems With Your Work or School Account” Keep Popping Up on Windows 11? Simple Solutions That Actually Work

“Sign In Required – Your Device Is Having Problems With Your Work or School Account” on Windows 11 is a common and troublesome message. It tends to stop access to important programs like Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. This guide explains, in very simple steps, how to solve this so you can get back to work or school with less stress.

Why This Error Happens

• Account sync problems
• Hardware changes, like getting a new motherboard
• Outdated or wrong saved sign-in details

Different reasons need different fixes. The steps shared below handle the most common roots.

Fix 1: Make Windows Trust Your Device Again

Sometimes, when your device changes hardware (new motherboard, TPM, etc.), Windows gets confused and doesn’t trust your computer for work or school stuff. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Admin

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Pick “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows Terminal (Admin).”

Step 2: Add a Temporary Admin Account

1. Type:

   net user tempadmin YourPasswordHere /add
   net localgroup administrators tempadmin /add

2. Press Enter after each line.

Step 3: Remove Device from Work/School System

1. Type:

   dsregcmd /leave

2. Press Enter.

Step 4: Reinstall Azure AD Broker Plugin

1. Type:

   powershell

2. Then copy/paste:

   if (-not (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin)) { Add-AppxPackage -Register "$env:windir\SystemApps\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode -ForceApplicationShutdown } Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin

3. Press Enter.

Step 5: Enroll Device Again

1. Close the window.
2. Open Command Prompt as the user who uses the device.
3. Type:

   dsregcmd /forcerecovery

4. Press Enter and log in with your work/school account when asked.

Step 6: Delete Temporary Account

1. After things work, type:

   net user tempadmin /delete

2. Press Enter.

Fix 2: Remove and Re-Add Your Work or School Account

This refreshes your sign-in details and fixes a bunch of sync issues.

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Go to Accounts > Access work or school
3. Click on the account giving you trouble, and click Disconnect. Confirm it.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Go back to Accounts > Access work or school, click + Connect, and sign in with your work or school info.

Fix 3: Clear Out Saved Sign-In Details

If Windows Credential Manager has bad info, you get stuck in a cycle of errors:

1. Search for “Credential Manager” in Start and open it.
2. Pick Windows Credentials.
3. Find any entries about your work or school account, Microsoft Office, or your company’s login.
4. Click Remove beside each of those.
5. Restart your device.

Now, when you sign into Office or other apps, it asks for fresh info.

Fix 4: Fix Hardware or Activation Problems

New parts in your computer can stop Windows from being recognized by your organization:

1. Go to Settings > System > Activation.
2. Check if Windows is showing as activated. If not, click Troubleshoot.
3. If you see an “I changed hardware” option, click it. Follow the steps and sign in.
4. Make sure your work/school account is connected in Accounts > Access work or school.

Fix 5: Restart Microsoft 365 Apps

Office programs sometimes “forget” your login info.

1. Open the Office app, like Outlook or Word.
2. Go to File > Account.
3. Click Sign out under your user name.
4. Close the app. Open it again and sign in with your work/school details.

Helpful Reminders

• Before starting, check that your computer’s Wi-Fi is strong and stable.
• If your workplace or school manages your device (using Intune, for example), talk to IT support before doing anything drastic.
• If nothing helps, there may be a bigger problem with the server. Reach out to your IT department.
• Always make sure your device’s name and registration match up with your organization’s records—IT can check this if needed.

When following these steps, most people get rid of the “Sign In Required” error for good. Keeping your sign-in details fresh and checking for hardware changes helps avoid these annoying problems in the future.