"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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-09-27T23:24:43+00:00

    My pc has been on for 3 day at this point ive tried all the **** you guys say will work none of it works i need my pc to do my job im beggin you guys if this is a feature please get rid of it. IVE BEEN LOCKED OUT MY OWN PC AN NOTHING WORKS NOTHING

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-09-27T03:33:10+00:00

    Format it. Then make sure you regularly backup anything important because it will happen again. Ive got to format hubbys laptop for the second time in 3 months. Not impressed.
    Follow these instructions:
    How To Factory Reset ASUS Laptop: Restore To Default Settings - MiniTool

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-09-25T12:04:28+00:00

    I have the same issue. I got the 2 hours sign in disable message when i tried to open my laptop with my correct PIN. I didn't do multiple shutdowns nor sign in with failed PIN. I tried to sign in with password that turned out its a Microsoft account password but it says my password is incorrect while its my correct password. So i waited for 2 hours and fortunately i can sign in with my PIN after 2 hours. Then i tried to make another sign in option by using fingerprint and fortunately it worked, i don't have to wait for 2 hours. But today all of the sign in methods suddenly disabled, i can't log in to my laptop with my fingerprint, it says i have to insert the PIN first but the PIN method doesn't work (I have to wait for 2 hours). Is there any solution for my problem?

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-09-24T12:30:15+00:00

    there is no other options for me.

    for example, no other sign-in options so i can't do nothing but wait 2 hours and when i do end up waiting 2 hours, my password is still "incorrect".

    what do i do?

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-20T12:54:52+00:00

    Show that the user profile cannot be loaded

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