"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
    2023-12-27T14:24:00+00:00

    A modified version of option 3 on this page worked for me. I tried option 4 first since it is a built in windows "startup repair" option but it didn't work. Option 3, deleting a particular system folder, did.

    The modification came from the fact that even safe mode requires the pin and so you can't log in and use explorer like it says in the article.

    1. open command prompt (get to windows recovery as detailed in the article. click troubleshoot then click command prompt (instead of startup settings))
    2. switch to install drive (usually c:) with cd c:\
    3. if not at the root of the drive (C:>) then type cd .. {enter} until you are
    4. type cd Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
    5. type rd /S Ngc (deletes directory containing sign in option data)
    6. restart the machine and you will be asked to login with password and create new pin
    7. recommended: once in, open settings and find sign in options. turn off the option "only allow Windows Hello..." . This will allow you to select password sign-in when needed (assuming it doesn't get corrupted too).

    That fixed it immediately for me. Other options in the article worth looking at, including what to do if you need to wipe it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-28T01:45:02+00:00

    Was happening to me all day...

    Click "Forgot my Password"

    Follow prompts.

    It'll reset once you put in a new pin.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-31T01:56:27+00:00

    Same issue here. Outrageous response on part of Microsoft. Resetting the system!? What for!?

    Waiting the 2 hours. Will see what happens.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-01T13:31:50+00:00

    Hi, I have the same problem.

    How can I reset my computer if I cannot get I to it.

    It had been powered on for a whole day but the same message pops up.

    This is very annoying.

    I cannot use my computer!!!

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-06T02:06:47+00:00

    Bruh this is what exactly happened to me an I’m on my 3rd hours an nothing changed it’s still saying the same thing

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