"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
    2025-05-19T16:23:10+00:00

    Hi David,

    Whilst I agree you have the technical bit down pat, the chicken and egg scenario is a little confusing.

    The user who cannot get into his or her PC/Laptop at the moment hasn't got the option of following your advice right now. Hence he installed Ubuntu instead.

    Yes, Hindsight is a wonderful thing but without time travel it doesn't do much good. It definitely will help for the next time, but it doesn't help for now. it would be useful if Microsoft had not disabled the ability to create a local account if your PC is connected to the internet during the initial setup.

    As for when Microsoft is going to fix this, like so many other things that are years if not decades in the waiting list, I wouldn't hold our breaths, they are focused on monetising AI now.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-19T15:33:59+00:00

    Why didnt you just create a Local admin User account , so easy solution

    Here's a step-by-step guide:

    1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings.
    2. Go to Accounts: Click on "Accounts" in the left-hand menu.
    3. Navigate to other users: Click on add account and click on I don't have this person's sign-in information
    4. click on Add a user without a Microsoft account
    5. type a name and leave password blank or create one if want. then
    6. click arrow next to account and click Change Account Type change standard to Admin . From what i understand this will be fixed in the next major release of windows weather its version 11 25h2 or 12,, meaning windows is adding option to add a cell number the 1st time you set up the computer, so if you get locked out it will txt you a code to get in,, you can set this up now but only if you know about it .here link on how to set it up ,, also create a 2nd local account to be sure can get back in without internet etc,

    How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account - Microsoft Support

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-05-19T06:59:29+00:00

    In terms of user experience. MICROSOFT LOST BEYOND HOPE.

    This issue made me switch to UBUNTU as I can't wait for 2 hours for my urgent work. You, people at Microsoft has 2 hours to waste and then come up with this kind of Interface. Well I dont have 2 hours to sit and stare at my screen. Go and hire someone with experience of HCI instead of hiring any Failed UX guy.

    For those who still want to login, then either reset your pin by clicking the reset password or pin option and it will immediately take you to the home screen.

    UTTERLY DISAPPOINTED WITH MICROSOFT.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-05-16T00:41:21+00:00

    Did you even read? He didnt forget his PIN. This horrible customer service.

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