How to Fix “You need to authenticate to Microsoft services” in Minecraft

Are you getting a “You need to authenticate to Microsoft services” error in Minecraft?

The error happens when you’re trying to join a server in Bedrock Windows Edition.

It can happen on multiple devices like PC (Windows), PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

It’s usually caused by a date and time mismatch and you must sync them together.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix “You need to authenticate to Microsoft services” in Minecraft Bedrock, Java, or Windows.

How to Fix “You need to authenticate to Microsoft services” in Minecraft

To fix “You need to authenticate to Microsoft services” in Minecraft, you must set your time automatically and sync your date and time settings.

You can also try signing in and out of the Microsoft Store/Xbox or installing and using the legacy Minecraft launcher.

Fix 1: Sync your date and time

1. Search for “Date & time settings” using Windows Search and open it.
2. Turn on “Set time automatically” (if it’s off).
3. Select “Sync now” to sync your date and time.
4. Launch Minecraft and try joining a server again.

Fix 2: Sign out and in of Microsoft Store/Xbox

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Select the profile icon and select “Sign out”.
3. Select “Sign in” and sign in to your Microsoft account again.
4. Open the Xbox app.
5. Select the profile icon and select “Sign out”.
6. Select “Sign in” and sign in to your Microsoft account again.
7. Launch Minecraft and try joining a server again.

Fix 3: Install and use the legacy Minecraft launcher

1. Go to https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download.
2. Scroll down and select “Download Windows Legacy Launcher”.
3. Install the legacy launcher, launch it, sign in, and try joining a server again.

Further reading

How to Fix “We could not connect to Realms right now” in Minecraft

How to Record Minecraft with OBS

How to Fix “Warning! To prevent potential data loss please backup your local Minecraft for Windows worlds”