"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.

0 comments

592 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-18T15:26:46+00:00

    So I fixed it. The timer doesn't start unless u are able to type the pin. Which means restart the computer and DONT type the pin in. Wait 2 hours. Doesn't matter if the screen goes black. And then type it in. Worked for me

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-18T08:08:12+00:00

    I'm having a similar problem. Although I was trying to sign in on the xbox app on pc. Asking me to put in a pin with hello Windows which I did fail a few times, not understanding what pin it was asking for. Now I also have to wait 2 hours powers on. It's been well over 2 hours now and I still can't access it.

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-12-16T12:29:50+00:00

    microsoft.com, pls escalate this. You must find the reason, this drives us crazy. Is it a bug? Is it a security issue? What is causing failed login attempts on my laptop when I haven’t even tried login since last use, and I do use the right pwd, and noone else can physically use my laptop? Intruder program or fake service slipping through the defense? Or is the local login synchronized with something on microsoft.com and sync fails? I have the same problem as others in this thread since some weeks. I start my computer (always powered-off when I not use it), I login with definitely correct pwd, I get that msg to wait 2 hours. When I try again after 2h I do get in, always, and can use my computer until logged out. But, next time I try to logon I have to wait for another damn 2 hours again! Repeatedly. There must be an explanation.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-12-07T02:38:08+00:00

    I am well aware of how to enable the administrator account thanks.

    Microsoft Security - that's as funny and contradictory as Military Intelligence. What security? If they had decent security then the use of their own authenticator app would be an option on the login screen; especially if you were having trouble logging in. But no, they just ask you to wait two hours. It's stupid.

    "And wait until 2 hours ( While power is on )

    Go click (Start) and hit sleep button.

    After open it up type in that you remember (password) in login."
    It's very clear you haven't experienced this issue so I'd suggest you stop offering advice that has no relevance to it.

    I did unlock because i remember that own password or Window hello PIN.

    So lucky that i experience for the first time.

    That is why we should help there another stranger help people how to solve it without hesitation.

    By the way,

    Microsoft Window hello pin by itself say about terms and privacy.

    and i don't know that much just read to agreed 🥲.

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2022-12-07T00:25:34+00:00

    I am well aware of how to enable the administrator account thanks.

    Microsoft Security - that's as funny and contradictory as Military Intelligence. What security? If they had decent security then the use of their own authenticator app would be an option on the login screen; especially if you were having trouble logging in. But no, they just ask you to wait two hours. It's stupid.

    "And wait until 2 hours ( While power is on )

    Go click (Start) and hit sleep button.

    After open it up type in that you remember (password) in login."
    It's very clear you haven't experienced this issue so I'd suggest you stop offering advice that has no relevance to it.

    0 comments