"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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

592 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-09-03T08:01:27+00:00

    thank you for your response David. Now i have better understanding of the problem . As HELLO is obviously the problem and Microsoft don't understand how to fix their own issues, , please can you tell me how i might change or cancel the use of HELLO to sign in ? can i for instance have no code to start , but just power on ? or is there a safe , but simpler way to revert to the old ways of sign in . ? Many thanks again for the time and trouble.

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-09-04T02:34:13+00:00

    This is a real bug that the inept Microsoft team is failing to address I'm having the exact same problem

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-09-07T15:00:09+00:00

    How do i increase the number of attempts? My baby was playing around with my laptop and when i saw i had to wait for 2 loooong hours when i needed it the most. i do not see any other method to login. Or how do i reduce the time from 2 hours to may be 15 or 30 mins? This is just trouble.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-09-07T15:32:56+00:00

    You don't have to wait , reboot and click fogot pin before you enter a pin, and it will let you log on with your Microsoft password, if you have trouble managing your passwords, then create a 2nd but local account,so many having troubles asking the same question every day, all the solutions are in this forum 50 times over

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-07T16:35:40+00:00

    Appreciate your frustration David , but assuming Microsoft have a brain cell within their ranks , and assuming they read this Forum ( embarrassing it might be for them ) why do they not move to fix this issue . Seems they are brain dead and really do not care . No customers should have to compensate for their inept programming skills. !! It's like Ford selling a Mondeo and customer finds only three wheels on it , and Fords answer would be "well fit the spare tyre", its in the boot. !!!

    0 comments