"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

592 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-25T22:01:08+00:00

    So I tried resetting my windows 11 laptop so I could play games better but it didn’t let me at first so I had to go to command settings or whatever it was but that didn’t help then tried to delete some files but I basically just restarted it and it was a blue screen with boxes of things it recommended me to do and I picked skip Without drive and now I’m currently on the sign in screen I think I deleted everything but I can’t log in because my pin says I need to download a app and I clicked yes for it and nothing happens and I can’t find nothing else to do about this I really could use some help please.

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-23T19:55:47+00:00

    Not for nothing as many users as the **** company has there is no response to anyone else here on how to fix this. Mosken your company keeps changing security policy’s and it affects many things. Please provide a GODDAMN FIX! As much money as your company makes **** software and no one should have to wait till it’s figured out!!!!!!! It shouldn’t even happen!!!!!! Your company puts out beta software and fix it after we troubleshoot it! Ban this message if you want but put out a product that works!!!!!! Answer the **** users as well! The CRUX IS MICROSOFT!!!!!!!

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-23T19:18:35+00:00

    There are no options to use alternative methods on my laptop. The Pin screen just has space for the number and that's all.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T10:00:37+00:00

    Hei.

    I don t really agree with your “you only need to wait two hour”, cuz it s my time, I paied for my windows and it s my computer, but I guess since in all of your (not yours personally, but microsoft consulants, of course “independent”) comments that I read last night and today, you all think that “restarting your computer should fix your problem”, I understand that generally people suck at computers and software, but some of us don t have two pcs or time to waste on fixing your (Microsoft) inability to deliver a good and safe to use product, I know I know, you re only doing this for money and without any morality to it, but for f*** sake, spare us of your IT guru answers and give us some clear solutions and fix the problems. and you can argue with my gramar or the way I m putting the problem but in the end, I m sort of sick of this “this people don t understand how to use pc s”, we kinda do, for our lifes.

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T11:37:42+00:00

    Yout suggestions for regaining access to a Microsoft account log in was dated 8th January 2022!

    It appears that you still have a problem that needs fixing a.s.a.p.

    This is the 2nd day I'm having to wait for 2 hours before logging in!

    How do I get to the alternative method of logging in.

    Looking forward to action and a speedy response.

    Can read my emails on my Samsung mobile.

    Awaiting a response.

    Frustrated.

    Geoff Fowler

    0 comments