"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
    2022-12-06T09:28:22+00:00

    OMG. It's as if people don't actually read the comments below the original post and just skip to the end thinking they are being helpful. They are not.

    1st problems:

    If there is no other sign in option because did you using hello pin window or any type of hello windows?

    As has been stated before, the sign-in options for this issue do not appear. Just the request for a PIN.

    2nd Problems:

    If there is show up and you forget the password go to sign in option to change it the passwords.

    Again, there is no option for this.

    (How to solve it:)

    1st Problem solve:

    You should have to wait until 2 hours. While the power is on but do not shut it down or sleep button because it will restart the time AGAIN.

    Many people, including myself for multiple customer's computers, have tried this and it does not work. We can wait a day and it still refuses to let you back in - I know because I have tried it. Well, overnight anyway.

    2nd Problem solve:

    Go to ( SIGN-IN OPTION ) And show up the Gmail and password if you forgot then change into ( forgot password ).

    They will send the link from your Gmail.

    Why the hell are you suggesting Gmail? This is a Microsoft issue! Again, there are NO SIGN-IN OPTIONS for this issue!!!

    As I have stated before, I ended up having to either wipe the customer's machine and reinstall Windows or create a new profile, set it up, copy files, etc and then delete the old profile. I have even tried using a method to reset the password for the user - which you can do, however the PIN cannot be changed locally so that's pretty annoying. We need an option to use our Autrhenticator App from the login screen - especially if we are having trouble logging in. It's so logical I cannot fathom why Microsoft ... oh wait, never mind.

    This issue is appalling! But I haven't seen it again recently so I presume Microsoft have applied a fix but I have not seen any details about it in any hotfixes or KB updates. So did they fix it or is still any issue for some people? I'd be interested to find out.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-10-17T21:16:03+00:00

    I only have 1 profile on this PC... No other sign-in options available. Suggestions?

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-10-10T14:22:23+00:00

    Select sign in options on the login screen, select password and log in with your password.

    Once you are logged in, reset a new PIN in Settings -> Accounts -> Sign in options

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-12-07T00:25:34+00:00

    I am well aware of how to enable the administrator account thanks.

    Microsoft Security - that's as funny and contradictory as Military Intelligence. What security? If they had decent security then the use of their own authenticator app would be an option on the login screen; especially if you were having trouble logging in. But no, they just ask you to wait two hours. It's stupid.

    "And wait until 2 hours ( While power is on )

    Go click (Start) and hit sleep button.

    After open it up type in that you remember (password) in login."
    It's very clear you haven't experienced this issue so I'd suggest you stop offering advice that has no relevance to it.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-12-16T12:29:50+00:00

    microsoft.com, pls escalate this. You must find the reason, this drives us crazy. Is it a bug? Is it a security issue? What is causing failed login attempts on my laptop when I haven’t even tried login since last use, and I do use the right pwd, and noone else can physically use my laptop? Intruder program or fake service slipping through the defense? Or is the local login synchronized with something on microsoft.com and sync fails? I have the same problem as others in this thread since some weeks. I start my computer (always powered-off when I not use it), I login with definitely correct pwd, I get that msg to wait 2 hours. When I try again after 2h I do get in, always, and can use my computer until logged out. But, next time I try to logon I have to wait for another damn 2 hours again! Repeatedly. There must be an explanation.

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