"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
    2025-06-08T02:55:07+00:00

    Hi there!

    I have the same issue as you and the way I fix it was to reset the PIN using Microsoft and it should let you in

    It works on me so you can try:)

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-29T20:20:58+00:00

    cool what if you waited the 2 hours and it still wont let you

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-29T09:00:38+00:00

    Thanks Craig,

    the pulling the power bit is interesting, if it really has something to do with it then I suspect suspend or fast startup mode is indicated as part of the problem you faced. Very often the default power settings in Windows include fast startup and suspend to disk. You think you have power cycled the PC or Laptop but it doesn't really do a cold start it restores a previously suspended state. QED whatever problem you have is not cleared it is restored when you turn it back on again. This is not a new problem either. See Updates may not install with Fast Startup in Windows 10 - Windows Client | Microsoft Learn It also mucks about with deploying settings via GPO as the changes may take a real reboot to deploy properly.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-05-28T20:33:10+00:00

    Nick I can tell you what finally worked for me if you still want or need to know.

    First I tried the rest saving files, Then I tried rebooting in safe mode a couple of time, well enough that I have my key memorized LOL

    then I pulled the power from the computer itself not from the wall, turned computer completely off and let it sit for about 3 hours.

    Turned it on and I am in. Now I have got to figure what I need clean so it doesn't do it again. I can feel assured David will disagree and will not have a fix to keep it from happening again

    I hope this helps you out

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-05-28T14:06:03+00:00

    Hi Craig, agreed re keyboard warrior.

    No, I never found a workaround other than hardwiring via ethernet to internet and keeping it awake for a couple of hours. I am assuming you can log into MS Account online no problem, and that like me you found that neither PIN or Password would work on the affected machine?

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