"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
    2022-01-31T23:21:03+00:00

    I am having the same problems. Microsoft had me in a chat que until a transfer and then I didn't hear from anyone for 90 minutes. So, I was forced to leave the chat and have been unsuccessful in finding any solutions. I am very disappointed that this 'bug' as MS said it was is causing a problem.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-10-07T08:43:06+00:00

    I get this error message. It was intermittent but now every time I turn on. I have to then log in with a password.

    My password is the same as my pin.

    Originally I was logging in with a Microsoft account but when I was first locked out of my computer, I changed to a local account, in case that would fix the problem and deleted my Microsoft Account.

    I opened a new Microsoft account a few days ago but I cannot see how to log into my computer with a different account.

    How do I "reset" my computer without losing my data?

    The person at Microsoft who thinks it is a good idea to lock people out of their computers for 2 hours needs to be fired before users get the idea to take a class action for damages.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-09-09T03:27:42+00:00

    No it does not work, I waited for more then 6 Hours but still same.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-09-14T04:20:02+00:00

    IT DOESN'T WORK LIARS

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-10-07T13:26:13+00:00

    Good day,

    One of my clients had the same issue, just resolved it by resetting the PIN. It will ask you to provide Microsoft account credentials, and send a code to the email account linked to your Microsoft account. After that you can choose a new pin and your problem should be resolved.

    Hope this help.

    Thank you

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