"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
    2024-03-11T21:14:53+00:00

    No it does not, 2 hours actually means site there for two hours moving the mouse, if the screen goes black for most of the laptops and pcs, that's it, start again....

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-27T14:24:00+00:00

    A modified version of option 3 on this page worked for me. I tried option 4 first since it is a built in windows "startup repair" option but it didn't work. Option 3, deleting a particular system folder, did.

    The modification came from the fact that even safe mode requires the pin and so you can't log in and use explorer like it says in the article.

    1. open command prompt (get to windows recovery as detailed in the article. click troubleshoot then click command prompt (instead of startup settings))
    2. switch to install drive (usually c:) with cd c:\
    3. if not at the root of the drive (C:>) then type cd .. {enter} until you are
    4. type cd Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
    5. type rd /S Ngc (deletes directory containing sign in option data)
    6. restart the machine and you will be asked to login with password and create new pin
    7. recommended: once in, open settings and find sign in options. turn off the option "only allow Windows Hello..." . This will allow you to select password sign-in when needed (assuming it doesn't get corrupted too).

    That fixed it immediately for me. Other options in the article worth looking at, including what to do if you need to wipe it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-03T13:47:37+00:00

    First of all, what a poorly implemented security measure. I never entered an incorrect PIN or powered it on and off multipletimes. I simply unplugged my PC because I was on vacation for a month. After returning, plugging it back in, and entering the correct PIN, I got that 2 hour message. I put the PC into sleep mode, restarted, entered my Microsoft password, got an email with a security code, entered it, changed the PIN back to the original working PIN, and all was well. Sp stupid.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-02-25T13:26:17+00:00

    basically this is ridiculous. i had this come up randomly on a pc with one admin acct and one local general user (other person) on win 11. it is a new gen pc which before gave no problem. naturally the PIN was known and never entered correctly, all updates are current.

    while there is wise advice telling people to "just use the password" sign in, what, if it does not give you the choice of password, smart microsoft. on the admin acct i was able to sign in using "i forgot my pin" and assign a new one.

    on the other account i am unable , rtf UNABLE to get into the account, while THERE it DOES offer use pasword, i can not log in .

    would someone at microsoft a. fix this and b. disclose a method how to turn off/disable this defective securtiy policy and c. describe how to enable sign in on password, where the system does NOT offer a switch betwen PIN and password.

    NO i don t want to remove HELLO windows, jump a fence at midnight or be told to keep the pc turned on 5 hours while counting sheep. i just want a working device. in short: a practical fix for an implausible error

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-01-27T18:08:42+00:00

    As of 27th Jan 2023, this issue is still not fixed. This is the second windows 11 pc in my household I have disabled for inexplicable reasons.

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