How to Unlock a Device Locked Using Find my Device in the Microsoft Account

Anonymous
2024-03-04T06:28:38+00:00

I have a Windows 11 laptop. I inadvertently locked the laptop when I logged into my Microsoft Account and it showed the device was located in a different part of the Country from where I am located. After locking the device, I realized it was my personal laptop (in my possession, not where it was shown to be on the map). I am now trying to unlock it but cannot locate anywhere in my online Microsoft Account where to do so. My user pin and fingerprint aren't being recognized. Can anyone help?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

53 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-06-13T15:16:49+00:00

    EDIT: More context, my device was still locked after a reset. Solution below allows your data to be preserved, and should be the first thing tried before resetting the computer.

    Couldn't find a solution anywhere for this myself. Since this is the latest thread on the topic I will post the solution that worked for me here.

    1. Restart device while holding shift to enter Windows Recovery Environment. Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > Open CMD. This is where you will need your recovery key.
    2. After CMD is open, type "regedit" and hit enter.
    3. Click "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE", then "File" in top left corner, then "Load Hive".
    4. A file explorer should appear. It should be "System32" as the folder already. If not, follow: This PC > (C:) Drive > Windows > System32
    5. Navigate to "Config" > "Software". Pop up box named "Keyname" should appear. Enter '1234' as keyname. Box will close after complete.
    6. Expand "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" > expand folder "1234" > Microsoft > WindowsNT > CurrentVersion > PasswordLess > Device.
    7. Double click "DevicePasswordBuildVersion" from window beside file directory. Change value data from '2' to '0'.
    8. Restart computer by exiting the Recovery Environment.
    9. Should now have access to "Sign-In Options" on the sign in page. Choose "Sign-In with Microsoft Account" and use your account details.
    10. Everything should be back to normal, you will have to create a PIN again if you so choose, following the usual steps in settings.

    Pretty ridiculous to have this option available without clearly informing the user of the ramifications, and the inability to unlock your device once found.

    Was this answer helpful?

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-05-28T03:39:14+00:00

    I want to say thank you I followed your advice the same thing happened to me with my windows 11 laptop and it worked great following your advice it was so easy appreciate it

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-05-13T23:59:49+00:00

    No, I was never able to unlock. I had to reinstall windows. I spend a week on the phone with tech support with both windows and my laptop manufacturer to no avail.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-05-13T23:14:42+00:00

    I am having the same issue. Were you able to unblock?

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-03-26T09:55:25+00:00

    I want to be unlock

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments