"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
    2023-10-13T11:12:22+00:00

    Bro help me please

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-10-09T22:49:03+00:00

    This is the only one of these things that’s worked for me. at first it looks like you’re setting up your computer for the first time, but then it pulls up everything just like normal, you just have to sign into your accounts (steam, EA, etc)

    This is very very appreciated!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-08T23:09:58+00:00

    I used that method and thought it had corrected the problem but it did not. The next time my laptop was powered off for over a day the error displayed in the above post by Vishal Dubey1 returned.

    This has happened multiple times to me; I am always able to gain access by selecting "I forgot my PIN" followed by logging into my Microsoft account and then canceling the option to reset the PIN....but the problem always returns.

    Additional information: prior to getting this message I have issues getting the pc to start up; I get an error indicating there may be a problem with the BIOS. I haven't been able to identify what that error might be.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-07T10:59:48+00:00

    same, happened because of my pc crashing (which was already enough for me) and now this? what a sick joke, the repair mode cmd prompt is useless

    i tried "net accounts /lockoutthreshold:0"

    that didnt work so i tried "net user" which also gave me the middle finger because it wouldnt show my username

    thanks microsoft for locking me and everyone here out of our own computers :)

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-10-02T16:12:32+00:00

    Same thing is happening to me now. Im about 10 minutes from needing my computer in class and I cant get in. Ive even tried factory resetting my computer as a last resort but my computer wont take my FRESHLY RESET outlook password. Windows 11 is a virus, its bricked first my desktop now my laptop and this Microsoft Help Agent on this post wont even address the real issue. This post is over a year old with no fix. Big tech should be obliterated so we can restart

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