"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
    2024-07-01T15:57:23+00:00

    I had this issue. I overcame it by clicking on "forgot PIN" even though I could remember it. That let me log in another way, in my case is used my Microsoft log in, but I think I might also have been offered a one off code via my mobile.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-06-30T20:41:53+00:00

    This is still happening and it is the biggest piss take I don't type my password wrong and I rarely shut down my laptop Microsoft need to get off their lazy asses and get a **** grip with their **** company.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-06-21T18:30:33+00:00

    Peace...

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-06-19T16:35:03+00:00

    Thanks to all who helped me. I couldn't see a button labelled "use another method to sign in" but when I clicked on "forgot password" (even though I hadn't forgotten it) it let me use my microsoft account password. But after 5 minutes of logging in, I got the BSOD again. I rebooted (it allowed me to use my PIN) and launched task manager. I killed off any applications I didn't recognise, and that seems to have done the trick. I think I have hit "end task" on them before, but as a result of the software update, they came alive again. Happy days.

    Thank you for suggesting the "forgot password" option. I knew my PIN as well but I went through the process to change it and "VOILA" it worked!

    I am not a technical person by any stretch, so most of the suggestions here just increased my anxiety. I've only had my laptop for 5 months before encountering the glitch. Hopefully it stays on.

    I agree with the others here @microsoft needs to do something about this!

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-06-15T11:50:01+00:00

    I am also facing the same issue. I kept my laptop power on for 2 hours and then using the same PIN system allowed me to login. But unfortunately, after two days, when again I tried login, the same issue occurred and again waited for 2 hours and it allowed me to login with the same PIN.

    So, one thing is confirmed that it is not related to failed login or repeated shutdown in my laptop. This bug has made my laptop just a piece of hardware. Thank you, Microsoft, for giving such a **** in form your OS update.

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