"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
    2024-02-19T01:52:14+00:00

    In my laptop Honor Magicbook 14 any recovery option did not appear it gets restart as normal even if I try pressing the Shift+restart for many times.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-18T19:58:17+00:00

    THANK YOU SIDEWARDSLEET82!

    1. Holding the shift key, click the power icon and select Restart
    2. Windows Recovery options appear -> Troubleshoot -> Command Prompt
    3. Switch to install drive (usually c:) by typing c: and press Enter
    4. type cd \windows\serviceprofiles\localservice\appdata\local\microsoft and press Enter
    5. type rd /S Ngc and press Enter

    6) Close the panel and Shutdown

    7) Reboot the machine and you will be asked to login with password and create a new PIN

    Recommendation: Once in, open Settings and find Sign In Options. Turn off the option "only allow Windows Hello..." which will allow you to select password sign-in when needed (assuming it doesn't get corrupted too).

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-17T12:34:07+00:00

    all this questioning doesn't help to resolve a problem that is so common. The issue is once the battery goes of the system reads it as multiple log-in attempts. So the can't wait for 2 hrs to access computer because of a software error reading a battery power outage as multiple log-in attempts. a better fix to a common problem must be made.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-15T18:59:09+00:00

    Use "Forgot Password" option and send the code to verify the account. Once the account access is verified, you can change the PIN and that should grant access to the system.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-02-12T09:37:54+00:00

    The default shut down time is 10 minutes, I suppose you can let your PC sleep for periods that are less than 10 minutes.... Get an useful activity on your phone and temporised your clock so you get notified every 8-9 minutes.

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