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How to Fix AADSTS90014 Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If you are encountering the AADSTS90014 error on your Windows 11 device, it usually means there is an issue with Azure Active Directory (AAD) authentication. This error can stop you from signing in to Microsoft services or apps. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix it.

This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process in a clear and easy-to-understand way. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions. Just take your time and follow each step carefully.

By the end of this article, you should be able to resolve the AADSTS90014 error and regain access to your Microsoft accounts on Windows 11.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check your Internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential for Azure Active Directory authentication to work properly.
  • Verify your system date and time: Incorrect date or time on your PC can cause authentication errors.
  • Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date: Running the latest updates can fix bugs and improve system compatibility.
  • Confirm your Microsoft account credentials: Double-check your username and password to avoid simple login mistakes.

Step 1: Verify System Date and Time Settings

One common reason for AADSTS90014 is that your system clock is incorrect. Azure Active Directory requires your device’s date and time to be accurate for secure token validation.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Time & Language and then click Date & time.
  3. Make sure Set time automatically is turned on.
  4. If it’s already on, toggle it off and then back on to refresh the settings.
  5. Check your timezone is correct under Time zone.

After updating these settings, try signing in again.

Step 2: Clear Cached Credentials

Sometimes, corrupted or outdated credentials stored on your PC cause authentication errors. Clearing these cached credentials can help.

  1. Press Windows + S on your keyboard to open search, type Credential Manager, and press Enter.
  2. In Credential Manager, click on Windows Credentials.
  3. Look for any entries related to your Microsoft or Azure accounts.
  4. Click on each relevant entry and select Remove.
  5. Close Credential Manager and restart your PC.

Try to sign in again after the restart.

Step 3: Check Azure AD Account Status

If you are part of an organization or company, the AADSTS90014 error might be caused by issues on the Azure AD tenant side. Your account could be disabled or not properly synchronized.

  • Contact your IT administrator to verify your account status in Azure Active Directory.
  • Ask them to check if there are any conditional access policies or restrictions applied to your account.
  • Confirm that your user account is active and synchronized correctly.

This step is important because some errors cannot be fixed from your device if the problem is with your Azure AD account.

Step 4: Reset the Microsoft Account Password

Resetting your Microsoft account password can resolve authentication token issues that trigger this error.

  1. Go to the official Microsoft Password Reset page.
  2. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
  3. After resetting, try signing in again on your Windows 11 device.

Resetting the password forces the system to generate fresh authentication tokens, which can fix the error.

Step 5: Use Windows 11 Troubleshooter for Microsoft Accounts

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter to fix common Microsoft account issues.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Microsoft Accounts in the list and click Run.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows diagnose and fix account problems.

This tool can automatically detect and repair problems related to authentication errors.

Step 6: Re-register Microsoft Authentication Tokens Using PowerShell

If previous steps don’t work, re-registering the authentication tokens may help. This requires running commands in PowerShell.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
dsregcmd /status

This command checks the status of your device’s Azure AD join.

  1. If your device is not joined or registered, run:
dsregcmd /join

This will attempt to join or register your device with Azure AD, which can fix token issues.

  1. After the commands complete, restart your PC and try signing in again.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If you are familiar with Azure portal or have admin access, you can also:

  • Check the sign-in logs in the Azure Active Directory admin center to find more details on the error.
  • Review and adjust Conditional Access policies that might block sign-ins.
  • Reset user sessions or revoke tokens for your account.

These advanced options are best handled by IT professionals or administrators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the AADSTS90014 error mean?

It indicates that the required authentication token for Azure AD sign-in is missing or invalid, preventing successful login.

Can incorrect system time cause this error?

Yes, if your PC’s date or time is not accurate, Azure AD tokens may fail validation.

Is this error related to my Microsoft password?

Sometimes. If your password has changed or tokens are outdated, resetting the password can help.

Do I need admin rights to fix this error?

Basic fixes can be done without admin rights, but some steps, like joining Azure AD or checking tenant settings, may require administrative access.

Can this happen if my account is disabled?

Yes, if your account is disabled or blocked by your organization, you will see errors like this.

Is this issue common on Windows 11 only?

No, this error can occur on any device using Azure AD authentication, including Windows 10 and other platforms.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot resolve the AADSTS90014 error, consider the following:

  • Contact your IT support or Microsoft support: They can investigate account or tenant-specific issues.
  • Visit the official Microsoft documentation: AADSTS error codes reference for detailed explanations.
  • Reinstall or update your Microsoft apps: Sometimes app corruption causes authentication failures.
  • Consider a system restore: If the error started recently, restoring your system to a previous point might help.

Conclusion

The AADSTS90014 error on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most of the time it is caused by simple issues like incorrect system time or cached credentials. By following this step-by-step guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the problem efficiently.

Always start with the basic checks and gradually move to more advanced steps. If your account is managed by an organization, don’t hesitate to reach out to your IT administrator for help.

Remember, keeping your system updated and your credentials secure will help prevent such errors in the future.

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