Fix Error 0x80860010 on Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running into error 0x80860010 on your Windows computer can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to sign in to an app, access a Microsoft service, or complete a task that requires your account credentials. The error may appear unexpectedly and prevent you from using certain Windows features, syncing your account, or opening Microsoft apps properly.

In many cases, error 0x80860010 is related to problems with Microsoft account authentication, corrupted credential data, Windows services, or temporary system issues. 

This guide explains what error 0x80860010 means, why it happens, and provides easy steps to fix the problem on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

What Does Error 0x80860010 Mean?

Error 0x80860010 is a Windows authentication or credential-related error that commonly appears when Windows cannot properly verify or access your Microsoft account information. It may also occur when Windows is unable to communicate with Microsoft’s authentication services or when locally stored account credentials become corrupted.

Depending on the situation, you may notice the error while:

• Accessing your Microsoft account
• Opening Microsoft Store
• Signing into Microsoft apps
• Using OneDrive
• Changing account settings
• Syncing your Windows profile
• Using Microsoft 365 applications

The error does not always have a single cause. Instead, it can result from several underlying issues working together.

Common causes include:

• Corrupted Windows credentials
• Outdated Windows updates
• Damaged system files
• Network connectivity problems
• Incorrect date and time settings
• Temporary Microsoft service issues
• Corrupted Microsoft Store cache
• Problems with Windows account synchronization

Fortunately, Windows includes several troubleshooting tools that can help resolve these issues without reinstalling the operating system.

How to Fix Error 0x80860010 on Windows

The solutions below start with the simplest fixes before moving to more advanced troubleshooting. Follow them in order, as many users resolve the problem within the first few steps.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes the error is caused by a temporary Windows process that becomes stuck in memory. Restarting your computer clears temporary files, reloads Windows services, and refreshes your account connection.

• Click the Start button.
• Click the Power icon.
• Select Restart.

After Windows starts again, try performing the same action that previously displayed error 0x80860010.

If the problem disappears, no further troubleshooting is necessary.

Step 2: Check Your Internet Connection

Since Microsoft account authentication depends on Microsoft’s online servers, an unstable internet connection may trigger this error.

Open your web browser and visit several websites to confirm that your connection is working properly.

If pages load slowly or fail to open, restart your modem or router.

If you’re using Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or temporarily switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible.

Once your internet connection is stable, try signing into your Microsoft account again

Step 3: Verify the Date and Time Settings

Windows security certificates rely on accurate system time. Even a small difference between your computer’s clock and the actual time can cause authentication errors.

• Open Settings.
• Select Time & language.
• Choose Date & time.
• Turn on Set time automatically.
• Turn on Set time zone automatically if available.
• Click Sync now.

After syncing the clock, restart your computer and check whether the error has been resolved.

Step 4: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Your Microsoft Account

Sometimes Windows stores outdated authentication tokens that prevent successful sign-in.

• Open Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Open ‘Your info’.

If possible, sign out of your Microsoft account.

Restart your computer.

Sign back into your Microsoft account using your password.

Windows will create fresh authentication tokens, which often resolve error 0x80860010.

Step 5: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

If the error appears while opening the Microsoft Store or downloading apps, clearing the Store cache may solve the problem.

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type: wsreset.exe
• Press Enter.

A Command Prompt window will briefly appear while Windows clears the Store cache.

Once the Microsoft Store opens automatically, check whether the error still occurs.

Step 6: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a troubleshooting tool that automatically detects and repairs many Microsoft Store-related problems.

• Open Settings.
• Select System.
• Open Troubleshoot.
• Choose Other troubleshooters.
• Locate Windows Store Apps.
• Click Run.

Allow Windows to complete the diagnostic process and apply any recommended fixes.

Restart your computer after the troubleshooter finishes.

Step 7: Repair Corrupted Windows System Files

Damaged Windows files can interfere with account authentication and Microsoft services.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type the following command: sfc /scannow

Press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete. If Windows repairs any files, restart your computer.

Next, open Command Prompt as administrator again and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Allow the repair process to finish before restarting Windows.

Step 8: Install the Latest Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix authentication issues and Windows bugs.

• Open Settings.
• Select Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.

Download and install every available update.

Restart your computer after the installation completes.

Many authentication-related problems disappear after installing the latest Windows updates.

Step 9: Remove and Reconnect Your Microsoft Account

If the account profile has become corrupted, reconnecting it may help.

• Open Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Choose Email & accounts.
• Locate your Microsoft account.
• Remove the account if the option is available.
• Restart your computer.

Add your Microsoft account again.

Windows will create a fresh connection between your device and Microsoft’s servers.

Step 10: Create a New Windows User Profile

• If none of the previous methods work, the issue may be limited to your current Windows profile.
• Open Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Open Other users.
• Create a new local or Microsoft account.
• Sign in to the newly created account.
• Check whether error 0x80860010 appears.

If the new profile works correctly, your original user profile may be corrupted.

Additional Tips

Keep Windows Update enabled so your computer receives the latest security and reliability improvements.

Use a stable internet connection whenever signing into Microsoft services.

Avoid forcing your computer to shut down while updates are installing because interrupted updates can damage important system files.

Restart your PC regularly to refresh Windows services and clear temporary authentication data.

Use only one active Microsoft account when troubleshooting sign-in problems to reduce account synchronization conflicts.

If the error continues even after completing every solution, verify whether Microsoft services are experiencing a temporary outage by checking Microsoft’s official service status page before performing more advanced troubleshooting.

FAQs

Is error 0x80860010 a virus?

No. A virus does not cause error 0x80860010. It is generally associated with Microsoft account authentication, Windows credentials, or system-related issues.

Does resetting the Microsoft Store delete my apps?

No. Running wsreset.exe clears the Store cache but does not uninstall your installed applications or delete personal files.

Can outdated Windows cause error 0x80860010?

Yes. Missing updates can sometimes prevent Windows from communicating correctly with Microsoft services, leading to authentication errors.

Will creating a new Windows account delete my files?

No. Creating a new account does not remove files from your existing profile. However, you may need to copy personal files if you decide to switch permanently.

Should I reinstall Windows to fix error 0x80860010?

Usually not. Most users can resolve the problem by updating Windows, repairing system files, clearing the Microsoft Store cache, or reconnecting their Microsoft account.