How to Fix “Can’t Get Your Account” Error in Excel on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are seeing the “Can’t Get Your Account” error in Excel on your Windows 11 device, it can be frustrating. This error usually stops you from signing in or accessing your files properly. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix this issue and get back to work quickly.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve this error. Each step is explained clearly, so even if you are not very experienced with computers, you can follow along without trouble.

By following these instructions, you will learn how to troubleshoot account issues in Excel and improve your overall experience on Windows 11. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.

These methods are arranged from the simplest to more advanced fixes, ensuring you try the easiest options first.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

Internet Connection: Make sure your PC is connected to the internet. Excel needs an active connection to verify your account.
Microsoft Account Status: Verify that your Microsoft account is active and working by visiting account.microsoft.com.
Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Updates often fix bugs related to account sign-in.
Excel Version: Check that your Excel app is updated to the latest version. Outdated software can cause sign-in problems.

Step 1: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Excel

Sometimes, the error occurs due to temporary glitches in your account session. Signing out and signing back in refreshes your connection.

Open Excel on your Windows 11 PC.
Click on your profile icon at the top right corner of the window.
Select Sign out from the dropdown menu.
Close Excel completely.
Reopen Excel and sign in again using your Microsoft account credentials.

This simple step clears any stuck session data and often resolves the error quickly.

Step 2: Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings on Windows 11 can cause problems with account authentication. Excel relies on these settings to securely verify your login.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Time & language > Date & time.
Make sure Set time automatically is turned On.
If it is already on, try toggling it off and on again.
Also, check that the time zone is correct for your location.

After adjusting these settings, restart Excel and try signing in again.

Step 3: Clear Office Credential Cache

Sometimes, stored credentials become corrupted and cause sign-in errors. Clearing them forces Excel to ask for fresh login details.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type control keymgr.dll and press Enter to open Credential Manager.
Under Windows Credentials, find any entries related to Microsoft Office or Excel.
Click each entry and select Remove.
Close Credential Manager and restart your computer.
Open Excel and sign in again.

This clears any problematic login information stored on your PC.

Step 4: Repair Microsoft Office

If the problem persists, there may be issues with your Office installation. Repairing it can fix corrupted files that cause account errors.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps > Installed apps.
Scroll down and find Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365.
Click the three dots next to it and select Modify.
Choose Quick Repair first and follow the prompts.
If Quick Repair doesn’t fix the issue, repeat and choose Online Repair (this requires internet and takes longer).
Once repaired, restart your PC and try Excel again.

Repair helps fix missing or damaged files that interfere with account authentication.

Step 5: Reset Excel Settings to Default

If signing in still fails, resetting Excel settings can remove problematic changes made to the app.

Close all Office applications.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0Excel
Right-click on the Excel folder, choose Export to back up the key (important in case you need to restore).
After backup, right-click the Excel key again and select Delete.
Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Open Excel again; it will recreate default settings.

Be careful with the registry; deleting this key resets Excel preferences but does not affect your files.

Alternative Method: Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

Microsoft offers a free tool called Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) that can automatically diagnose and fix Office account issues.

Download SaRA from Microsoft’s official website.
Run the tool and select the Office sign-in issues option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and resolve problems.

This tool is helpful if manual steps don’t work or if you want a guided solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why am I getting the “Can’t Get Your Account” error in Excel?

This error usually happens because Excel cannot verify your Microsoft account. It can be due to network issues, outdated software, corrupted credentials, or incorrect system settings.

Do I need to reinstall Microsoft Office to fix this error?

Reinstallation is rarely needed. Most issues fix with simple steps like signing out/in, repairing Office, or clearing credentials. Only try reinstalling if all other methods fail.

Will deleting registry keys cause data loss?

No, deleting Excel’s registry keys resets your app settings but does not delete your Excel files or documents.

Can a Windows update cause this error?

Sometimes, recent Windows updates affect Office apps. Keeping both Windows and Office updated usually prevents these problems.

What if I don’t have a Microsoft account?

Excel requires a Microsoft account for some features and signing in. Without one, you may see account-related errors when accessing cloud features.

When Nothing Works: Final Options

If you have tried all the steps above and still face the “Can’t Get Your Account” error, consider the following final options:

Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for personalized help.
Create a New Windows User Profile: Sometimes, user profiles get corrupted. Creating a new Windows user and testing Excel there can help isolate the issue.
Reinstall Microsoft Office: Uninstall Office completely, restart your PC, and install it again from office.com.

These options should be used as last resorts after trying the simpler fixes.

Conclusion

The “Can’t Get Your Account” error in Excel on Windows 11 is a common but fixable problem. Starting with basic checks like internet connection and signing out can resolve most issues quickly. Adjusting system settings, clearing credentials, and repairing Office help fix deeper problems.

If you follow the steps in this guide carefully, you should be able to restore your Excel account functionality without stress. Remember to keep your software updated and maintain correct system settings to avoid this error in the future.

By taking a methodical approach, you can overcome this error and continue working smoothly with Excel on Windows 11.