"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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

592 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-04-17T06:19:07+00:00

    Choosing the forgot password option worked for me. Extremely annoying bug with poorly worded error message.

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-30T16:19:55+00:00

    There are many people who facing the same problem, please fix this issues. Nobody enter or restart the windows many times, stop this blocking bug that prevent us from using out f laptop. It has been years, why no solution other than forcing people to wait 2 hours and changing pin. Please what if this problem happen to you ?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-18T17:51:42+00:00

    Thanks, worked here too. No idea why my son's laptop suddenly did this, but this method stopped me tearing my hair out. Forgot pin -> send recovery code to email -> new pin -> done :)

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-03-17T16:53:35+00:00

    Hello guys ,

    I have found a solution that works every time for me. When this error pops up on your screen wait a few minutes and it will go off your screen when you press or drag up to insert pin press “I forgot my pin” then follow all your steps and reset your pin as the one you already had. It will then automatically put you into your desktop. I hope this helped.

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-03-13T19:25:42+00:00

    Click on forgot pin. Follow message enter a new pin.

    0 comments