"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
    2025-04-01T14:25:44+00:00

    On/off your computer for repair mode and reinstall windows was my only option, than I uodated the version from the site

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-04T06:28:26+00:00

    I have the sane problem...wait 2 hrs.......no way...I just can not ever sign in no way....I guess my whole system is junk...if ANYONE has a solution, PLEASE post it!!! This is SOOOO...Microsoft typical....back to WIN 3.31 or even command line DOS! Catch 22 s**t all over again. Wheeeew.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-04T06:40:18+00:00

    Same problem. I even RESET my Desktop PC Win 11 went through all the reset and BAM same problem after a full reset...."can not log in due to too many somethings". Sad. Sad. Whatdaf???!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-04T10:41:39+00:00

    The only long term solution i found was not to use a Microsoft account for logging in, instead use a local user account, once you get back in, many ways to get back in, 1st use forgot pin link below where you type password, next way is to reinstall windows

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-04-09T08:19:42+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 :)

    I have waited for almost 10hrs but still unable to sign in

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