"This sign-in option is disabled because of failed sign-in attempts or repeated shutdowns". I've been locked out of my laptop since last night and can't log back in. How do I fix this issue?

Reported
Anonymous
2022-01-28T09:51:54+00:00

So randomly last night (about 12 hours ago) my laptop with Windows 11 shows the above error message when I input my pin.

"This sign-in option is disabled because of failed sign-in attempts or repeated shutdowns. Use a different sign-in option, or keep your device powered on for at least 2 hours and then try again".

Prior to this, I used my laptop normally and everything was fine. I did not put in the pin several times and certainly not repeatedly shut down my laptop, so I'm not sure where this even comes from.

From what I understand, my only chances to log back in my laptop are to:

  1. Wait 2 hours WHILE the laptop is powered on.
  2. Use a different sign-in option (use password - and I have no idea what this password is lol).

I can't do solution 1 because my laptop powers down after like 30 seconds, so I cannot keep it powered on for 2 hours unless I press a button on my laptop every 29 seconds for 2 hours.

For solution 2, the different sign in method asks me to put in a password, not sure which password this is. It can't be the password that I use to log in to my Microsoft account online because it says that's incorrect.

Now, following from solution 2, I get the option to reset this password, by answering 3 memorable questions, but here too at least 1 of memorable questions is incorrect.

Can I get back into my laptop without having to factory reset everything?

Does anyone know if the 2 hours wait need to be consecutive?

Thanks all :)

EDIT: It has been 11 months and people still seem to have the same issue as me. Microsoft, please fix this bug / glitch. It's obviously causing a lot of headaches. I was able to simply factory reset my laptop as everything I had was backed up elsewhere, but I'm sure 90% of the people here cannot do this because the laptop still has vital stuff not backed up else where. Even if they could backup, it's a really long and painful process to set the laptop back up.

This really needs to be addressed asap please :)

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-20T10:09:50+00:00

    This is ridiculous!What on earth ! Are they saying reset my windows? Are you f kidding? Can’t use my pc

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-18T22:48:27+00:00

    I can not get to any Windows screens, icons or anything st all...just the page telling me I am locked out. Nothing boots up, I am locked out of everything so I can not even have a power icon. I had to make a media file/Windows set up USB bootable flash drive and get install fresh Windows. Not to bad for me, I keep a usb SATA drive of important back ups. Just a Microsoft pain.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-18T19:11:35+00:00

    OK so have the same problem, but ni solved.

    1. Hover over power icon and select sleep.
    2. Press space bar to wake up laptop

    3.enter your pin

    Worked for me first time no clue why.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-12T18:23:14+00:00

    Like i said you likely have old version ie 23h2, 24h2 is latest, check in setting

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-04-12T17:58:49+00:00

    The only option I had was “forget the pin” and I did. It got me back. But definitely not a good experience (I knew my PIN and the option to forget is not what I was supposed to be doing).

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