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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-08T09:05:52+00:00

    I'm glad I could help. I also had the same experience and was quite disappointed with the answers on here as well.

    Hi ryan, thank you for your advice. It actually work for me after scrolling through the internet.

    But, i have some kind of problem after logging in.

    1. I can't open my windows security tab, it just blank.
    2. All my apps is gone (maybe because i restore the system because at first i can't open the directory C, and then i use other advice to do system restore and regedit advice for making administrator account in lock screen eventhough it's not working)

    Can i get any advice for it? It feels like i'm not using my laptop because all the setting is reset.

    Once again, thankyou Ryan

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-02T10:42:59+00:00

    This is the only way that worked. Thank you!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-10T17:58:48+00:00

    How to unlock the window

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-14T06:31:25+00:00

    Thank you for being one of the most helpful solutions I found here. When I got here. This really is ridiculous.. However I ran into an issue if you could please help??

    When I got to step 6. And had to type "1234" I got an error saying cannot access the file because it's being used by another process. I don't understand it.. I never had a password on my pc.

    Please help. I really don't want to wipe my PC. I had no idea this little "lock" button couldn't be reversed.. god this is dumb..

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-18T05:01:56+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.

    OMG Thanks you sm, this is the ONLY way i can solve this riddiculous problem. You're an angel

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