"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
    2024-12-13T00:32:45+00:00

    Same issue locked out cant sign in

    No actual support option. Now 2 days I've been locked out say to many attempts with wrong pin. (Same pin I've used for a year now. Won't let me change the pin or password.

    It's a laptop and shut it self down to power save. Can't even get in to reset that option. Endless cycle of cr*p

    I had the same problem suddenly appear yesterday.

    It's an old Laptop that I still use regularly to backup stuff and go to online keeping my main Windows Laptop 'clean' and I've never seen it before.

    After 30mins of frustration I solved it by resetting my PIN via my Microsoft password.

    I could not remember the password as I rarely use it (I've always used the same PIN on the Laptop) but fortunately I had set up 2 Factor Authentication so used the App to reset the Microsoft Password to then be able reset the PIN (I used the same PIN again so there was actually no change)

    Once I did that I went to the startup PIN login Screen, typed in my 'new' PIN and got straight into the Laptop.

    Bit of a unnecessary faff for something that shouldn't of happened in the first place, but it worked.

    I hope this helps.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-11T14:10:46+00:00

    I have same problem, ive been hitting the space bar between 1 & 29 seconds, it's s pain , it did help, but it's gone back to the same problem. It can be disabled according to Google.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-10T21:05:16+00:00

    you need to have these following fallbacks setup,

    if you have another pc in the house you can get in right away,

    also some times its a hack and you have to reinstall the os but rare bit i see this at times in my customers ,

    (So to begin login to microsoft.com on any other pc and check your profile , you need to have a cell or 2nd email address added to your Microsoft account and or set up the new two step verification (wich you can log into on any pc on any browser to add these,, then it will txt you to a code to reset your pin, and when you change it you can keep it the same just re enter it ,

    How to add an email address or phone number to your Microsoft account - Microsoft Support

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-10T18:04:10+00:00

    Same issue locked out cant sign in

    No actual support option. Now 2 days I've been locked out say to many attempts with wrong pin. (Same pin I've used for a year now. Won't let me change the pin or password.

    It's a laptop and shut it self down to power save. Can't even get in to reset that option. Endless cycle of cr*p

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