"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
    2024-01-19T13:05:16+00:00

    I received this error message right after I unplugged the power cord to my desktop to check my power supply and a couple of other internal peripherals. That's literally all I did, and it worked fine the last time I used it several hours before. I did NOT forget my password and had been using the same pin with no issues.

    After I plugged the cord back in, it prompted me to go into the BIOS to update settings. I figured something got reset, so I told it to reset and save and it said nothing changed, so I exited and it reboots. It goes to Windows and this message pops up. There was NO repeated password failures or no forgotten PIN or password. Instead of waiting the couple of hours that didn't look like it fixed anyone else's issues, this is what I did...

    I restarted my desktop one more time and when it gives me my usual PIN prompt, I tell it that I forgot my password by clicking the link below the PIN entry field. It prompts me to enter my current password, so I enter it and then it asks me if I'm sure I want to reset my PIN. I hit cancel and then I'm in. My PIN remained unchanged and it worked fine the next day when I logged in from a cold boot.I

    It's shameful that Microsoft won't even address this issue. Something is causing this prompt to come up and there should be a better option than to have to reset everything if you weren't able to do what I did.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-18T16:49:38+00:00

    I have the exact same issue as well. However, I have no option to do anything. I can not change my password and ive waited 3 DAYS and nothing worked. If i reset my system I will lose everything on my laptop. I dont know who was the person was who decided this was a good security feature. They should be fired. I need access to my laptop. I have things I need to get done. There has to be a work around without having to reset your system

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-14T08:17:39+00:00

    Hie i am having the same issue of logging in to my account. Please resolve

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-11T09:12:01+00:00

    Absolutely ridiculous.

    I'm having the same issue and I must say what a pitiful answer by Microsoft.

    I am aware I have an issue with my battery in my laptop and that's why I'm having an issue with logging in but it's my laptop and I know the pin. I should not be locked out of using my own laptop when I need it the most. Why the **** do I need to wait 2 hrs!

    I can log into my Microsoft account on my phone and my pc with no problems and my laptop is showing up there but I can't log in or use my laptop for 2 hrs. This is ****

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-09T09:29:45+00:00

    I'm having same problem but mine occurred after a power cut blackout last night. My Laptop won't turn off because the power saver option is set to stay on. Just waiting 2hrs to try again and hopefully be able to log in using my pin. Hope I'm not going to have to resort to a factory reset again.

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