"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
    2023-11-07T04:15:32+00:00

    I have the same issue .. no apparent reason .. also I know my pin and when I put my pin .. it gives me a msg saying this sign in option is disabled try after 2 hours .. what's wrong with this .. I can't even use my own F... Ing laptop

    Exactly!!!!! It's my effing computer!!! I didn't forget my pin or password and never had too many attempts or anything else

    This really really pisses me off

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-03T07:26:26+00:00

    The problem is worse because it doesn't stop after the 2 hours.

    I have the same problem with my backup PC, and old (but strong and good) HP laptop which has a dead battery, so need to be connected to power. As such, I turn it off when I don't need it for a few days.

    When I first got this message, I waited for 2 hours. And then it happened again. and again. The system's power protection turns the PC off after 30 minutes, so the next time I tried to login, I got the same message again.

    There must be a way to bypass this, or at least to stop this from happening after the first time.

    tal

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-01T19:24:20+00:00

    I have the solution even though I hadn’t forgot my pin, I

    • clicked forgot my pin
    • Used my same pin that routed back to my desktop logged in good luck human!!
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T16:35:08+00:00

    My solution to the problem has been to buy a Macbook. SOLVED...

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-10-02T16:12:32+00:00

    Same thing is happening to me now. Im about 10 minutes from needing my computer in class and I cant get in. Ive even tried factory resetting my computer as a last resort but my computer wont take my FRESHLY RESET outlook password. Windows 11 is a virus, its bricked first my desktop now my laptop and this Microsoft Help Agent on this post wont even address the real issue. This post is over a year old with no fix. Big tech should be obliterated so we can restart

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