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
    2024-11-24T16:46:01+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.

    I tried this but under windowsNT > current version there is only a language pack. What can I do there?

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-07T18:11:54+00:00

    ¿Pudiste solucionarlo?

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-18T20:58:44+00:00

    Hi,

    I have created a feedback on the hub, as my boyfriend had locked his laptop in fear that it was lost and we've essentially had a brick for over two months now. I really feel like they need to fix the lack of an "unlock" button or make it very clear the consequences of locking it. I've found posts from years back, so this is a longstanding issue that I truly feel needs prioritized, yet did not see any feedback.

    If possible, please vote on the issue so it can get a resolution:
    https://aka.ms/AAtrvbo

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-07T21:13:56+00:00
    1. Navigate to "Config" > "Software". Pop up box named "Keyname" should appear. Enter '1234' as keyname. Box will close after complete.

    it says: The process cannot access the file because its being used by another process.

    any solution?

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T20:31:37+00:00

    This works!!! Thank you. After 4 months I finally was able to get back in. Following the Edits made worked

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