"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
    2023-03-10T11:08:03+00:00

    That is shameful Microsoft!! I’m experiencing this bizarre problem.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-02-27T22:08:03+00:00

    In my case there is no option presented to log in any other way. It has been far beyond two hours now that my wife has been locked out of her computer. The only things on her log-in screen are the background picture. her name, and two messages. The upper one says: You've entered an incorrect PIN too many times. The lower line says: Your PIN is disabled for two hours. There is no option to log in any other way.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-08T20:15:00+00:00

    I am facing the same issue with Dell inspiron 13. It is not allowing me to login for 2 hours. What's the use of this laptop ? Still not resolved the issue are you really helpless with this!! it doesnt even allow finger print login. When are you fixing it? It's so annoying. Working from home from personal laptop is really not possible. Pls do check this serious bug.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-02-05T16:20:52+00:00

    It’s amazing to see the same issues across both Windows 10 and 11. It sucks that we have to deal with this instability because that’s what it is. I’ve had this issue before with Windows Server as well. I know all my passwords and pins and all of a sudden on a beautiful day it all went to **** as soon as I tried logging in as I do all the time. I can’t use my pin or password even with Authenticator app. When trying to log in through others options is still says “Something went wrong…” and returns to the log in screen with error message. If I had it my way I’d be on Mac but I need Windows for work applications not supported by Unix/Linux. I’ve been back on Ubuntu for smaller productivity functions but It’s been hours now without being able to log into my Windows OS.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-01-29T00:44:47+00:00

    I have same issue windows 11 , working fine no issues,,turn on next day input correct info , immediately get shut out with the exact same message if incorrect password and multiple shut downs.Really windows 11!!!!.Not happy !!!!.

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