"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
    2022-10-01T23:04:07+00:00

    I use my HP computer all the time. I changed to using a pin instead of the password a few monthes ago. I know my pin number but it says it is wrong. Now I am locked out of the computer saying I tried to enter the password and shut down too many times. Wait two hours.

    I did, but I cannot get back in. HELP this is crazy.

    Beth Gaines Teacher

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-09-30T14:22:23+00:00

    Anyone here have a solution for this?

    This is absolute ridiculous.

    I've been trying since this morning (it's 15:20 in now) to get into my account and need to access it before the weekend.

    I have never input to he wrong pin, I have had the same pin for years.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-09-17T02:35:01+00:00

    Same issue :( So far unsuccessful

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-09-14T04:20:02+00:00

    IT DOESN'T WORK LIARS

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-09-12T17:50:34+00:00

    Does it work after 2 hours?

    I was facing this issue since 2 days, i resorted to keeping the PC active for 2 hours (without letting it go to sleep mode) and it works. But this error persists during every start up now.

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