"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

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:

Wait 2 hours WHILE the laptop is powered on.
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 :)

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592 answers

Anonymous

2024-06-06T23:16:18+00:00

I have a very similar issue. The laptop started to blue screen and rebooted repeatedly, prompting the lockout.

I have one account for with two sign in options - fingerprint and PIN. Both are locked out. I have left the laptop connected to the charger overnight and it still gives the same response.

If there is no way to recover the device other than a factory reset, what is a login option that will never be locked out? I will set it up that way.

FYI this is a terrible design choice, despite the increased security - security and convenience are constantly in tension in any context, but this is too much for most people and shouldn't be a default setting.
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Anonymous

2024-06-07T01:23:56+00:00
1. reboot from a flash drive that has a bootable OS then leave the PC plugged in for 3 continuous hours. Then hopefully it works. Make sure the power settings do not sleep/power down the PC hdd before 3 hours.
2. "what is a login option that will never be locked out? I will set it up that way."
a. An Administration login account with no password and no email login credentials

b. An Administration login account with password and no email login credentials

i.e. always have at least 2 Administrative login accounts on your PC.
1. Clean up hdd when you have the PC working. use ccleaner the free version.
good luck
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Anonymous

2024-06-07T09:57:24+00:00

Hi NJ S

Thanks for your quick reply. I see someone else has kindly and helpfully suggested buying a flash drive with an OS, but I'll have to Google what all that means and buy it. So I thought as I'm not a technical person I'd try your solution first. When I'm looking at my screen which has a PIN box in the middle but a message saying I've been locked out for 2 hours (and which never goes after 2 hours) what do I do? What keys do I press on my keyboard, or where on the screen should I click with my mouse, in order to "use another way to sign in"?

Best

Phil
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Anonymous

2024-06-07T22:05:59+00:00
1. the screen in front of you under the PIN entry box should have "Another Sign-in method" or similar words.
click it then choose another method like email. OR
1. To boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode from a powered-off state, follow these steps:
2. Hold down the power button: Locate the physical power button on your device and hold it down for about 10 seconds to turn off your PC.
3. Press the power button: After the device has fully powered down, press the power button again.
4. Repeat the process: When your device powers up, immediately hold the power button for another 10 seconds. This will initiate the Advanced Startup options.
5. Select Safe Mode: From the Advanced Startup menu, choose the option to boot into Safe Mode ^1^.
Remember that Safe Mode uses a limited set of files and drivers, making it useful for troubleshooting issues. If you encounter problems with your PC, Safe Mode can help you identify the source of the problem. To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your PC normally.
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  5. Create an Administrator user account within 'control panel' pc settings.

   6. change power down settings to 3 hours... look in power or screen saver

   7 follow the 2 hour plugin fix as recommended.
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cheers
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Anonymous

2024-06-10T17:22:31+00:00

Thanks to all who helped me. I couldn't see a button labelled "use another method to sign in" but when I clicked on "forgot password" (even though I hadn't forgotten it) it let me use my microsoft account password. But after 5 minutes of logging in, I got the BSOD again. I rebooted (it allowed me to use my PIN) and launched task manager. I killed off any applications I didn't recognise, and that seems to have done the trick. I think I have hit "end task" on them before, but as a result of the software update, they came alive again. Happy days.
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