"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
    2023-08-26T17:16:06+00:00

    in your case i would just create another user account and make it Local admin, instead of online account, never have to worry then

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-08-25T21:01:11+00:00

    I solved it by restarting my PC and then at the log in screen going to forgot password and then reset to a new one.

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-08-25T07:21:48+00:00

    I had the same issue and after reading all the answers, I decided to try for “forget pin” ( I restart the computer and chose forget pin). This will ask you for your microsoft account using registered email and I used my gmail. A PIN number will then send to my gmail (I had to use my mobile to access my gmail) with security code. I verified it and continue to change my password( in this instance I use the same password) and it works for me. I am now logged in. I didn’t wait for 2hrs as I was impatient. Hopefully it works for you if you encountered the same.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-08-23T14:13:15+00:00

    i noticed it started when microsoft started offering this new 2 step verification option

    How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account - Microsoft Support

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-08-23T14:10:33+00:00

    thats right, but depends , some times it wants more , and wants you to verify further on other device, all my 3 or so replies to this are ways i have solved it,

    0 comments