Update 23 March 2026: Microsoft has released an update outside of KB5085516 to fix Microsoft account sign-in issues caused by KB5079473. If you install the latest update, you should no longer experience this problem. The original post follows.
And here we go again. The software giant has confirmed a new issue affecting logins to Microsoft accounts Windows 11 After installing the March 2026 update.
After installing KB5079473, signing in to a Microsoft account may fail
The issue affects devices running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. After installing the update, users may encounter an error message when trying to log in.
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Instead of applications successfully performing authentication “You will need Internet for this. It looks like you are connected to the Internet” message.
This happens even when the device is properly connected. Microsoft says the issue is related to a specific network connection condition that is triggered after installing the update.
Many apps and services depend on incorrect Microsoft account authentication, including Teams (free), OneDriveEdge, Excel, Word and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
However, enterprise users are not affected. Systems using Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) for authentication continue to function normally.
The fix is now available via an update
Microsoft has now fixed the issue by releasing an out-of-band update KB5085516.
Open to apply the fix Parameters > Windows Updateclick on it “Check for updates” button and install the latest available update. After restarting your computer, Microsoft account sign-ins should work normally again.
There is a solution to mitigate the problem
Before the fix was released, Microsoft provided a workaround that resolved the issue in most cases.
To solve the problem, restart the computer while it remains connected to the internet. This operation resets the connection state of the computer and restores the correct login function.
There is one important caveat. If the device restarts without an active internet connection, the problem may reappear.
Microsoft has now fixed the issue with an emergency update and users are advised to install the latest patch as soon as possible to avoid login issues.
Have you encountered this issue after installing KB5079473 on your computer? Let me know in the comments.
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