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10 Tech How-To

How to Fix Error 0x801c044f on Windows

Guide 10-15007 · Updated · Step by step

Error 0x801c044f typically appears when you try to sign in to a Microsoft service (like Outlook, Office, or OneDrive) on a Windows PC, often after a password change or when the system date and time are off. This guide walks you through the most reliable fixes, from checking your clock to re-adding your Microsoft account, so you can get back to work quickly.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to your Windows settings (you can open them even if you’re not signed in).
  • Your Microsoft account password or a way to verify your identity (like a phone or alternate email).
  • An internet connection.

Step-by-Step

  1. Check the date and time. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time. Ensure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are both toggled on. If they’re already on, toggle them off, restart your PC, then turn them back on. If the time is wrong, this is often the root cause.
  2. Sign out and back in. Open any Microsoft app (like Outlook or the Store), go to your profile icon, and sign out. Then restart the app and sign in again. This clears temporary credential hiccups.
  3. Clear Windows credential cache. Press Win + R, type control /name Microsoft.CredentialManager, and press Enter. Under Windows Credentials, look for entries that include MicrosoftAccount or OneDrive. Remove them, then restart your PC and try signing in again.
  4. Re-add your Microsoft account in Windows Settings. Go to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts. Find the account showing the error, click it, and select Remove. Then click Add a Microsoft account and sign in with your credentials. This forces Windows to re-establish the connection.
  5. Update Windows. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart. Outdated system files can cause authentication failures.
  6. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Store Apps, and run it. This can fix underlying app-sign-in issues.
  7. Reset the Microsoft Store cache. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will open, then close automatically. Restart your PC and try again.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the date/time check. Even a few minutes’ drift can break the secure connection. Always verify this first.
  • Removing the wrong credential. Make sure you only delete entries that clearly belong to MicrosoftAccount or OneDrive, not your Wi-Fi or other app credentials.
  • Not restarting after clearing credentials. Windows needs a fresh start to reinitialize the authentication service.

Tips

  • If you recently changed your Microsoft account password, sign in to the account on a web browser first to verify the new password works.
  • Use a wired connection temporarily if you’re on Wi-Fi, as unstable networks can cause timeouts that trigger this error.
  • Keep your Windows and Office apps updated regularly to avoid known authentication bugs.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after trying all the steps above, here are additional things to try:

  • Create a new local administrator account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, add a new user without a Microsoft account, then sign in to that account and try to add your Microsoft account there. If it works, the issue is with your original profile.
  • Check for third-party security software. Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall (other than Windows Defender) and try signing in again. If it works, re-enable the software and add an exception for Microsoft apps.
  • Use the Microsoft Account Troubleshooter. Download the official “Microsoft Account Troubleshooter” from Microsoft’s support site and run it. It automates many of the steps above.
  • Reset Windows as a last resort. If nothing else works, you can use Reset this PC (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) while keeping your files. This reinstalls Windows and should clear any deep corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does error 0x801c044f happen?

It usually occurs when Windows cannot securely connect to Microsoft’s servers, often due to an incorrect system clock, corrupted credentials, or an outdated Windows version.

Will I lose my files if I remove my Microsoft account?

No, your files stay on your PC. Removing the account only disconnects the sign-in for Microsoft services; you can re-add it later.

Does this error affect my local files or apps?

No, it only affects Microsoft service sign-ins. Your local files and non-Microsoft apps remain unaffected.

Can I fix this error on a work or school PC?

Yes, but some settings may be locked by your organization. If so, contact your IT administrator for help.

How long does the fix take?

Most fixes take less than 10 minutes. The most time-consuming is the Windows update, which can take up to an hour.

Is there a way to avoid this error in the future?

Keep Windows updated, ensure your clock is set to automatic, and avoid using third-party tools that modify Windows credentials.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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