Update on March 23, 2026: Over the weekend, Microsoft released an emergency update that addresses app login issues in Windows 11. The update (KB5085516) is now available for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 and is designed to ensure that the presence of an internet connection is correctly detected during the login process. You can install it via Windows Update, where it will be listed as an optional update.
Original story from March 20th: Ever since Windows 11’s big March update, users have reported login issues with certain apps. At the very least, apps that require a Microsoft account are affected, including Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft 365 Copilot, the Xbox app, and the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft confirms that this is an actual problem in its list of known issues, saying that these login errors are due to update KB5079473 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. In most cases, the error message “You’ll need the Internet for this. It doesn’t look like you’re connected to the Internet” appears, even though affected users are online. In some cases, error code 0x800704cf may also appear.
Regardless, a lack of internet connection doesn’t appear to be the root problem. Microsoft is currently investigating exactly why logins are failing and plans to release a patch in the coming days.
By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.
Workarounds from the community
Until Microsoft repairs the issue, users will have to rely on user-provided temporary solutions that have already helped a few. You can try restarting your Windows PC while connected to the internet. With a bit of luck, the sign-in will work again afterwards.
Microsoft also states that restarting without an active internet connection could inadvertently reset your PC to the state in which the error occurs. You should therefore not attempt to restart your internet connection while doing so, even if it seems an obvious thing to do.