"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
    2023-06-09T03:11:47+00:00

    Does it work after 2 hours?

    Tengo el mismo problema

    Ayuda!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-06-09T06:57:12+00:00

    I had this issue, i fixed it by trying to login for a few times. Then i clicked on forgot pin. Sent email to myself and used the code to get back in my laptop. After that i changed my pin in settings and restarted the laptop. after restart it says the same 'the sing.... then did the forgot pin again and after that I let it off for a night and in the morning it had my new pin installed, everything is back to normal, except i have a new pin code

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-09T14:11:38+00:00

    Here's a solution if you do not have access to "forgot password" or "reset laptop"

    First grab something a bit heavy, I used a jar of honey and place it on the keyboard.

    -This will keep your PC on. My Laptop died keeping the jar of honey on, but when I charged it, I was able to sign in by entering the A1B2C3 and the PIN.

    -After doing this, quickly change to a password instead of PIN.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-06-10T04:48:08+00:00

    Yep, the bug is still there. Its June 2023 and my husbands Asus notebook has the same issue. I bitterly regret buying him this laptop but it was the cheapest I could find at the time with a decent size screen. I should have gone the extra £250 and got him one the same as mine (Acer). I appreciate your edit though - handy to know that I can factory reset it. I was going to take it into PCWorld so hopefully, you've just saved me wasting even more money on this machine!

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-06-10T04:55:17+00:00

    I too dont have any other option to sign in. Bitterly regret buying hubby this Asus Notebook. Biggest waste of £500 EVER. Hoping I can at least factory reset it or Im going to have to waste even more money taking it into PCWorld to get sorted. Thankfully, there isnt anything exciting on it thats not already backed up. How did you get on?????

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