If the PC is blocked at sign-in, use the recovery options available on the Windows sign-in screen first:
- At the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password if the account uses a Microsoft account.
- If using a PIN, select I forgot my PIN.
- Enter the Microsoft account password if prompted. For a Microsoft account, the Windows password is the same as the Microsoft account password.
- If Windows Hello is configured, try another sign-in method such as password instead of PIN.
- If the account was blocked because of unusual sign-in activity, follow the instructions on the sign-in screen and choose where to receive a security code. Enter the code to unlock access.
If the blocked sign-in is for an Outlook.com or Microsoft account:
- Use the Sign-in Helper: https://aka.ms/sign-in-helper
- If sign-in was blocked due to unusual activity, complete the security code verification or change the password.
- If traveling or using a new device, try signing in from a trusted device or a usual location.
If the account is a smart card sign-in and the PIN is blocked on Windows 10, try one of these before signing in again:
- Restart the computer.
- Sign in using another method such as username and password.
- Sign in with another account, then sign out.
- Try the blocked smart card on another computer.
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