"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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592 answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-13T23:31:06+00:00

    Fix it

    :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-09T21:51:30+00:00

    Did you do SOMETHING to cause it? Because I want the sign in option disabled. I mean, to make the sign in options dissapear

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-02T22:17:55+00:00

    lol, had this a few time, never had such problems as you all, just had to click forgot pin link under where you type the pin,, and follow options to log in with password and sends me a code to phone,, if you have no such options, better learn how to reinstall windows and learn how to add you phone number to the account to get back in , lol

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-02T22:07:09+00:00

    Mod has obviously never used this system before.

    There are no options to click on my guy. I know my password and pin and it still doesn’t work.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-02-24T20:23:56+00:00

    Because of your terrible system I am getting delayed to do my work and if there is any cost for my business my lawyer will contact your company for a law suit!

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