"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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  2. Anonymous
    2023-06-01T19:06:25+00:00

    I have had this problem for some time now. A factory reset seemed to solve it but after a few days it was back. I am pretty sure this is a windows 11 problem so I am now going back to windows 10. Luckily I only use my laptop for gaming so the old OS will do. Wish me luck and will update if successful.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-03T13:47:37+00:00

    First of all, what a poorly implemented security measure. I never entered an incorrect PIN or powered it on and off multipletimes. I simply unplugged my PC because I was on vacation for a month. After returning, plugging it back in, and entering the correct PIN, I got that 2 hour message. I put the PC into sleep mode, restarted, entered my Microsoft password, got an email with a security code, entered it, changed the PIN back to the original working PIN, and all was well. Sp stupid.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-06-06T16:08:49+00:00

    Hello,

    I just experienced this same issue. I didn't solve it but I did find a way to access my PC. Also it gave me the same message even when I left it on for 2 hours or tried to switch users.

    So what I did was wait for my screen to go black so that when i put it back on it asked for my pin.

    The clicked forget pin which prompts me to put in my Microsoft account password, then my backup email address. It then sends me a code and when I put in the code I am ask whether I want to proceed with a pin change or not. I then click cancel and it brings me to my desktop. I'm now going to use the laptop for the rest of the day and if the problem persists I'll either.

    1. Remove my pin then put it back.

    Or

    1. Change the pin completely to see if it solves anything.

    If I don't come back here then it most likely sorted itself out.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-06-07T18:58:10+00:00

    I am having same issues since last night. My laptop was put out of use by this Microsoft bug. I tried to use the "Forgot my password" link to reset my pin but it is incredible and totally unacceptable that Microsoft is sending a text code to my landline phone which I cannot receive. There is no voice option only text to my landline for verification. I also tried the alleged two-hour power-on solution option, and it did not work. it is a lie.

    I have cell phone too which text code can be sent but Microsoft is not providing the cell phone option, just a text to landline which as I said I cannot receive. I tried many options trying to contact Microsoft for help. No help other than a robot offering general but useless help. I have to throw away an expensive new laptop I only purchase a short while ago because Microsoft's bug put it out of action. Totally unacceptable.

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