"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
    2023-02-08T20:15:00+00:00

    I am facing the same issue with Dell inspiron 13. It is not allowing me to login for 2 hours. What's the use of this laptop ? Still not resolved the issue are you really helpless with this!! it doesnt even allow finger print login. When are you fixing it? It's so annoying. Working from home from personal laptop is really not possible. Pls do check this serious bug.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-02-13T07:00:59+00:00

    Change a password please

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-16T14:03:27+00:00

    So the best way to guarantee that it works after two hours is to restart pc in safe mode. Then after giving you that message, the pc will NOT go to sleep mode and after two hours the password/Pin box will re-appear and now you can log in and restart the pc again with a normal boot.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-02-20T21:10:45+00:00

    It’s saying the same thing for me I can’t fix it I also let my computer on for 2 hours and it still won’t let me type in my password someone please help me.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-02-25T13:26:17+00:00

    basically this is ridiculous. i had this come up randomly on a pc with one admin acct and one local general user (other person) on win 11. it is a new gen pc which before gave no problem. naturally the PIN was known and never entered correctly, all updates are current.

    while there is wise advice telling people to "just use the password" sign in, what, if it does not give you the choice of password, smart microsoft. on the admin acct i was able to sign in using "i forgot my pin" and assign a new one.

    on the other account i am unable , rtf UNABLE to get into the account, while THERE it DOES offer use pasword, i can not log in .

    would someone at microsoft a. fix this and b. disclose a method how to turn off/disable this defective securtiy policy and c. describe how to enable sign in on password, where the system does NOT offer a switch betwen PIN and password.

    NO i don t want to remove HELLO windows, jump a fence at midnight or be told to keep the pc turned on 5 hours while counting sheep. i just want a working device. in short: a practical fix for an implausible error

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