"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
    2023-03-22T19:38:43+00:00

    Maybe, make a ticket for a bug fix? or allow some type of regex or local password repair tool to be downloaded with a windows id verification or something.. anything other than repeating the instructions would be great. Currently, I have to take time off of work to repair this on my laptop, so someone else in my house can use it..

    I don't mind fixing it when the hdd, nvme or sdd fails.. but an os bug, where the password is saved wrong in the system? really?

    Yes, it's easy and quick to reset the pc... but probably not for most people.. and I shouldn't have too.

    This is clearly a bug, so I think we'd all love it, if a ticket would be made to fix this on the next update.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-22T21:38:55+00:00

    I’m currently having this problem. I can’t two way verify because I no longer have the phone. I’ve Explored for more options but it doesn’t give me no choice but to wait 2 hours. Any way you can do something on your end to by pass or change phone numbers immediately?

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T23:24:06+00:00

    Same problem please help is this a new update why it's never done this before

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-24T02:46:59+00:00

    Fixed, use forgot password sign into Microsoft account and change your 4 digit pin. I also put an admin. and power on pin for safety.

    ******@outlook.com

    Have a nice day!

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-03-24T13:47:10+00:00

    it s in no way fixed on Microsoft s side, they ignore that this should be fixed when then password never is entered wrongly.

    the fix aboce only works if you have an non local account, then you can switch to password from the forgot PIN. the acct user that is local and never entered his PIN wrongly but is locked out because he allegedy did is NOT offered the option to switch to password, even if he is an admin, i.e. only an admin with a non local acct can help him

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