"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. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  2. Anonymous
    2022-10-22T16:27:20+00:00

    I don't even understand them again. Why would they be telling me sign in option disabled?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-10-22T17:17:04+00:00

    It is because window hello pin repeated too many attempt get disable so that is why you should probably wait 2 hours while pc is on not off. If u remember the pin or password and if not remember there is no reset or restore because of Microsoft accounts are disable anytime.

    If you don't remember password from microsoft you should change in ( i forgot my password ). Or it also has website go to the Microsoft.com.

    Sign in option is tell you to put Window Hello Pin / Biometric / Facelock and much more.

    Ok if you don't understand what am i just say so i will reply soon.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-10-28T02:14:01+00:00

    Nope. I've had this issue on multiple computers since this ticket was first created and even leaving it on for 24 hours doesn't resolve the issue.

    The host computer is not infected. They are all the Home edition so I can't use GPEDIT to unlock the account. The only thing I've done is enable the administrator profile and get them back up and running in that profile. Not ideal but at least it stops the system from then demanding they get permission from the inaccessible account.

    This is stupid Microsoft. Why haven't you fixed this yet? Or have you and you screwed it up, like you often do.

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2022-10-28T09:19:50+00:00

    I’m unable to connect to the internet to change my pin. Why would it not accept my original PIN to start with and facial recognition stopped working and requires the PIN. I’m out of the country and can’t just reset my computer. What else can be done to reset the PIN. Is this a bug in Windows 11?

    0 comments