"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 No comments

592 answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-26T15:27:05+00:00

    if the forgot pin link is missing usually something wrong like a virus, here is link to fix that, if not need to format

    also you can log into your microsoft account on other device to reset password if need and setup 2 step verification and add a cell phone for this not to happen in future ,

    Forgot PIN or Reset PIN Option is NOT showing up in Windows 11/10 | This sign-in option is disabled - YouTube

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-10-26T15:10:34+00:00

    Yup! I just ran into this obstacle which cannot be overcome. Windows 11 Home laptop. User forgot his PIN, tried too enter too many times then got to the screen where the challenge phrase (A1B2C3) has to be entered. Then after that it says PIN option has been disabled due to too many incorrect attempts, the text asks the user to try signing in using a different method, but no alternative option is available. Game over. Booting into safe mode doesn't offer any different sign in options, a repair install of Windows choosing to keep files brings us back to the same login challenge screen. So the only way out of this nightmare scenario is to erase the internal drive and completely start afresh. Come on Microsoft this is so lame of you to create this situation whereby the user can't unlock the login in some way. Apple provides a way out of a lost password, so I'm sure you can do it too. Do better, please?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.


    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  4. Anonymous
    2024-10-06T19:04:23+00:00

    I had the same problem after waiting 2 hours it failed. So, rather then waste my time I just reinstalled Windows. My problem was on the sign on screen it did not have "I forgot my pin" so I couldn't do anything but reinstall.

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-10-06T14:12:17+00:00

    that is not normal, that looks like you have something wrong with your Windows , ,, i would back my personal files up and do a fresh install of windows 11 24h2 released October 1st (5 days ago) , that is the only way to eliminate that as an issue. its free to do so why not is the question,, that would fix it anyways,, i have 7 computers in the house and there is no way that would happen on all of them,, you have a windows corruption or bug, no matter, wipe it to 100% fix with no wondering, if you had 2 computers you would see the other is fine,, that problem is the computer not Microsoft, , i do fresh install every time new release comes out, so i can run the OS as it was intended,, upgrades never work out the same,, or try upgrade but ya no , fresh is best,, download free from ms onto USB to crease your installation media of Newest windows 11 24H2 here,

    cheers!

    Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com)

    0 comments No comments