Office 2019 Activated but Requesting "Sign In" from any Local Account

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Office 2019 Activated but Requesting "Sign In" from any Local Account

JcW32 185

This is actually about an OEM copy of Office 2019 (click-to-run, not 365), not specifically about Outlook, on an old Windows 10 PC (now with ESU program).

The copy of Office has been activated from a Microsoft (Administrator) Account on Win10 using that same MS Account for activation. But when I login to Windows with one of my local accounts, typically as Standard User, I still see a "Sign In" button at the top of any Office component and, if I click File/Account, also the same -- see screen shot here:

Activated but Sign In

Is there any real need to "Sign In" from a local account, and if so, again using the original Microsoft Account?

What would be the consequences if I did that?

Best Regards -- JcW32

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Answer 1

Jeric 7,920 Independent Advisor

Hi JcW32,

Totally normal behavior you're seeing there. Even though Office 2019 is already activated with your Microsoft Account, it’ll still show a “Sign In” prompt when you’re using a local Windows account. That prompt is mostly for cloud features like OneDrive, syncing settings, or accessing recent files across devices.

If you’re just using Office for basic stuff like editing documents or spreadsheets you can ignore the sign-in prompt. Everything will still work fine.

But if you ever want to use those cloud features, it’s best to sign in with the same Microsoft Account you used to activate Office. Just avoid signing in with a different account, as that could cause license issues.

Hope this clarifies the confusion here.

JcW32 185 Reputation points

2025-10-29T14:35:27.71+00:00

Dear Jeric -- Do you know if the same is true of Office 2024 in Windows 11?

Best Regards -- JcW32
JcW32 185 Reputation points

2025-10-29T14:41:06.52+00:00

Dear Jeric -- I am still getting this error message when I log into Windows 10 with my usual Standard User account.

This appears related to my not logging in with the original Microsoft Account with which Office 2019 was activated. Office components still seem to behave OK , however, as discussed above.

Is there a way to avoid this message, or shall I just ignore (cancel) that also? -- JcW32
Jeric 7,920 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-03T13:57:34.7166667+00:00
Hi JcW32,

Apologies for the late response. The error code 0x80190001 you’re seeing is generally related to Microsoft account sign-in issues rather than Office itself. It can occur on Windows 10 and Windows 11, regardless of whether Office 2024 is installed. Check these settings below if you were able to fix it:

Check your network connection – Ensure there’s no VPN or firewall blocking Microsoft services.

Update Windows – Install all pending updates, as this error often resolves after system components are refreshed.

Clear cached credentials – Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school, remove the account, and re-add it.
JcW32 185 Reputation points

2025-11-04T17:13:13.3533333+00:00
Thanks, Jeric, for getting back! --

This makes sense, as I have a "front end" (Windows 11 Firewall Control) for the Windows Firewall that is often over-zealous about preventing certain communications, especially what they call "telemetry." I don't know which of the many Microsoft components (and what mode of Internet communication) are needed in this case (do you?), but I can temporarily disable W11FC and see if those errors go away.

Will do!

I'm not sure what you mean here by "cached credentials," but I think I understand the fix. Will do.

Is it still true that all of this is just "cosmetic" and has no impact on performance of Office (beyond preventing syncing and OneDrive)?

Best Regards -- JcW32
Jeric 7,920 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-04T17:20:35.3366667+00:00

Yes, what you’re seeing is mostly cosmetic. Office 2019 will keep working normally even if you don’t sign in activation is already done. The only things you’ll miss are cloud-related features like OneDrive integration, syncing settings, and some connected services.

Your firewall tool could definitely be blocking some of the background calls Office makes for account checks or telemetry. Temporarily disabling it is a good test. If the errors disappear, you can whitelist the Office apps or the Microsoft endpoints they use.

As for “cached credentials,” that just refers to saved sign-in info on the PC sometimes clearing those helps if sign-in keeps failing, but in your case, it sounds like you’re not signing in at all, so you’re fine.

Bottom line: performance and core functionality won’t be affected. It’s just about whether you want those extra cloud features.
JcW32 185 Reputation points

2025-11-05T18:51:59.76+00:00

Dear Jeric -- Great News! Just one final question from long ago (Oct 29, 2025, 8:35 AM):

"Do you know if the same is true of Office 2024 in Windows 11?"

This is where I'm gradually moving now that Office 2016 is finally squared away. Very Best Regards -- JcW32
Jeric 7,920 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-05T18:56:41.79+00:00

Yes, the same principle applies to Office 2024 on Windows 11. It’s still a one-time purchase product, so once it’s activated, you don’t need to stay signed in for the core apps to work. The “Sign In” prompt is mainly for cloud features like OneDrive, syncing settings, and connected services.
JcW32 185 Reputation points

2025-11-06T04:49:30.7+00:00

Jeric -- You're the best! Thanks again. -- JcW32

Answer 2

JcW32 185

Jeric -- Are you still here? -- JcW32

Warren Collits 25 Reputation points

2025-10-31T00:44:57.53+00:00

gave it a whirl but still not getting a result Error 9hehw. Will try uninstalling outlook & reinstalling from office not 365 & see what happens.

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Office 2019 Activated but Requesting "Sign In" from any Local Account

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