"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
    2024-04-10T20:41:08+00:00

    Shortly: the password was my PIN. Things to mention: happened soon after I switched to local acc, because of issues with Task Scheduler and a bat file with WSL things inside.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-30T18:25:09+00:00

    Thank you for posting the workaround you found for the pin. This info is extremely helpful, but unfortunately.

    Microsoft still needs to resolve this problem. I'm confident there are millions if not at least hundreds of thousands of individuals like myself who ended up changing their phone number only to be blocked from being able to process changes such as or access their own equipment. I completely understand that equipment like this is filled with sensitive information however, the majority of tech these days offer multiple options for 2FA to their customers.

    As of March 2024, Microsoft is worth $3.13 trillion dollars and we (the customers in this forum) and millions of people across the globe contributed to their wealth! Most of us are Microsoft's source (among many other factors) for consistent, residual income which is why I personally Extremely angry that issues such as this repeatedly go, unsolved and unnoticed by the company, as well as many other issues similar to this.

    I truly love Microsoft and use many of their products on a daily basis period i.e. outlook, my main two email addresses are outlook and hotmail, all 365 programs, Realms on Minecraft, Xbox Ultimate, etc. In addition, 2 day money I paid for hardware/equipment, like many of you I pay Microsoft for services monthly and yearly, which is why I am no longer accepting Microsoft's lack of care and failing to provide solutions to serious issues such as this. Simply being a member of the Windows Insider Program to provide feedback to the company are not enough to resolve issues such as the one we're commenting on.

    We have to all come together as a unit and relentlessly demand they provide solutions to the more serious issues/errors the majority of customers are experiencing that Microsoft is failing to resolve. We can only do that by utilizing social media and news organizations to spread awareness connor demand microsoft provide solutions and not stopping until they do.

    Are any of you aware of any social groups/websites that are trying to accomplish this?

    Thanks

    By the way, sorry, if there are any typos. I am using voice dictation and will not be able to fully proofread my comments until tonight.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-30T03:01:27+00:00

    After spending a couple of hours following given instructions, I finally, did a "password reset" and problem solved.

    Yes, I agree that Microsoft should be taking care of this annoying issue that affects so many users...

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-03-30T02:43:43+00:00

    Password reset is the easiest way to fix this. Anything else, is a waste of time...

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-03-30T02:34:47+00:00

    Have you fixed it? I really need to know what you did if you fixed it because I only got this computer 2 weeks ago

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