"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
    2024-12-28T15:25:51+00:00

    Unbelievable, 2 years later and Microsoft still has yet to fix it!

    Thank goodness I tried the forget PIN suggestion from the community, reset my PIN, and viola, works as usual (for the time being).

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-22T19:43:54+00:00

    thats why after 3 times of this issue, i installed windows 10 , its free if your pc came with 11,, i will wait till 10 ends in October maybe things will be fixed by then or windows 12 out

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-22T19:23:01+00:00

    I had to get my computer guy to fix it. Then, I went into the laptop and made all the auto turn off/close options to 2 hours.

    Also at some time the pin went from 4 numbers to 5. With 4 numbers it won't let you reset the pin. All in all a crappy thing from Microsoft. It's a major bug that need to be fixed in win 11.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-22T16:22:45+00:00

    Getting the same issue on my laptop windows. I don't even have other options to sign in. When click in forgot PIN (which I haven't but just don't have other options) I just get to the same log in screen. Its really annoying. I can't use my laptop microsoft, go to hell!

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-17T03:38:44+00:00

    Microsoft isn't addressing the issue at all. I followed the instructions that was given when locked out. Being fed up, I just ended up reinstalling windows. Uneccessary work.

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