Solved I'm locked out of my Windows 11 PC


dedq

Well-known member
Local time
11:47 PM
Posts
61
Location
Serbia
OS
Windows 11
Hey !

I went to sleep yesterday without any problems with my PC working and I woke up this morning and restarted it and now I cannot log into my account. My lock screen requires my Microsoft account password which I reset already couple of times and I am able to login everywhere on my phone with its other on my Windows 11 lock screen. Lots of tools I found exist but they seemed to reset passwords of local accounts. I'm not really sure how to get inside this PC since it's locked out and linked with Microsoft account which doesn't even accept my password which is working everywhere. Not even going to "I forgot my password" helps because I cannot even type the code from authenticator and I cannot type phone number because my keyboard is not answering any numbers and virtual keyboard is not entering numbers either.

What should I do in this case and is there some way to maybe remove lock screen or password requirements over registry or maybe command prompt? I have Windows 11 bootable USB.

It is so strange to me to be honest that I'm able to login every we're using my Microsoft account but my lock screen doesn't accept that password even though its linked to Microsoft account.

Thank you for reading!
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22000.100

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X4 860K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte F2A58M-S1
    Memory
    8 gigabytes DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon R7200 Series
    Hard Drives
    SSD.
The lock screen has always been a PIN as default rather than a password, I think since Win8

Do you have an option on the screen "forgotten PIN" or similar ?

If so that should allow you to reset things
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
Try to restart in safe mode. You can forcetthat by interrrupting the boot progress a couple of times eg by switching off the PC hard.
Or try to logon from a different PC via "Remote Desktop".
Good luck,TT
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    W10 Enterprise LTSC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom
    CPU
    i7-2700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-P67A-D3-B3
    Memory
    24GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce RTX2060 Super
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung curved
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    Samsung EVO870 SSD 1TB
    Seagate Barracuda HDD 8TB
    PSU
    be quiet 550W
    Case
    CoolerMaster
    Cooling
    be quiet PURE ROCK SLIM BK008
    Keyboard
    KLIM Domination k852
    Mouse
    Logitech standard cordless
    Internet Speed
    10/1 DSL (the fastest line speed available here...)
    Browser
    Mozilla FF 91.2.0esr
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    W10 GUI heavily modified with Stardock Blinds "7 for 10" skin and Startmenu.
    No MS Account and no MS apps.
    I upgraded to W10 only for gaming purposes, otherwise I'd kept my beloved W7 Ultimate x64
  • Operating System
    W11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-2500
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte PH67A-D3-B3
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI Geforce 1050Ti
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    FujitsuSiemens 19"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 (oldschool 4:3)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung EVO850 SSD 250GB + Samsung 1TB HDD
    PSU
    be quiet 550W
    Case
    Mars MCNW ATX Gaming
    Cooling
    be quiet PURE ROCK SLIM BK008
    Mouse
    oldschool Dell optical wired
    Keyboard
    Dell German 102
    Internet Speed
    slow DSL, 10/1Mbps, but thats the best offer here
    Browser
    Mozilla 91.2.0esr
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    This is an older PC for testing new OS,
    Furthermore: 4 Dell/HP laptops on Win7 Ultimate x64, used for NAS, Media server, browsing, workshop and sound studio
Try to restart in safe mode. You can forcetthat by interrrupting the boot progress a couple of times eg by switching off the PC hard.
Or try to logon from a different PC via "Remote Desktop".
Good luck,TT

Doesn't work. Had the same problem. You need to go to "Advanced startup" and then find the "cmd line"-option (the "last one"). IF YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT DRIVE (with the "dir" cmd), you need to activate the "build-in administrator account" (which is some kind of "Super-administrator"), by typing at (C:\ (which might be D:\ or E:\ or "G:\ or something else in your case; ... just trust the indications and directories you see with the "dir" cmd):

"net user administrator /active:yes".

Restart.

After restarting you have the option to use your user account (the one which doesn't let you in) or the newly created adminstrator account (bottom left). Use the last one.

Microsoft will ask you to provide a new PIN (changing one number or letter is sufficient)

When in (as "Super-Administrator", takes some time, because the new account is created), restart again and this time choose your user account.

When in your user account, don't forget (= security risk) to go to the cmd tool (as an administrator, ... it's another administrator) and tape at C:\ :

"net user administrator /active:no".

Good luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11 / WIN 10 dual boot
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    No clue (x64 based) from 2016
    CPU
    Intel Pentium G 4400 (Skylake)
    Motherboard
    MS 7971, Bios: American Megatrend C.E0 (2018)
    Memory
    DDR4 12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    internal (Intel HD 510)
    Hard Drives
    2x Western Digital (no SSD)
Thank you guys for your help really but the only solution was to restore my system from the hard drive and to be totally honest with you it seems very strange to turn off your computer and then turn it on to be demanded some kind of password which is not even your Microsoft password account! I don't really know why this is happening to be totally honest and it really happens from time to time and this is not really the first time. It sounds like a total ghost to be honest. You have your Microsoft account image and when you enter your password it says it's invalid. Very strange when you think about it rationally.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X4 860K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte F2A58M-S1
    Memory
    8 gigabytes DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon R7200 Series
    Hard Drives
    SSD.
The lock screen has always been a PIN as default rather than a password, I think since Win8

Do you have an option on the screen "forgotten PIN" or similar ?

If so that should allow you to reset things
I know it's very hard to trust me when I keep telling you these kinds of things but do you believe me that when I go to that tops and I'm unable to enter anything? Not even virtual keyboard works! I can see the screen where I have to enter my email or something like that in order to reset the password but it literally appears totally in an unexpected manner. It's like you can't type no matter what you try.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X4 860K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte F2A58M-S1
    Memory
    8 gigabytes DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon R7200 Series
    Hard Drives
    SSD.
I fully believe what you are saying, I've worked in this industry for more than forty years and I have seen too many things happen that I and others said could never happen ...

That is not what I would class as a lockout as such, it's looking like a more serious failure.

How is your backup situation?

have you made a system backup since you switched to Windows 11?
could you could use that to recover to a working OS?

If not do you have a valid backup made before you moved to Windows 11?
This is not ideal, or wanted, but it could be needed
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
I fully believe what you are saying, I've worked in this industry for more than forty years and I have seen too many things happen that I and others said could never happen ...

That is not what I would class as a lockout as such, it's looking like a more serious failure.

How is your backup situation?

have you made a system backup since you switched to Windows 11?
could you could use that to recover to a working OS?

If not do you have a valid backup made before you moved to Windows 11?
This is not ideal, or wanted, but it could be needed
I've solved this situation a couple of days ago and the only way I could do it was restoring the backup I made a couple of days before the accident. There wasn't really a way to sort this out in any other way and other USB password removing solutions didn't really work. I don't even know why this has happened but to be honest with you it could potentially be some kind of malware.

I have made a full drive backup using Ashampoo.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X4 860K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte F2A58M-S1
    Memory
    8 gigabytes DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon R7200 Series
    Hard Drives
    SSD.
So glad that you had the backup in place - It's not the glossy side of computer use but it's one of the most important. One other thing, and this goes against a lot of advice - get a little notebook, and make a note of your passwords and what they are for.
The chance of someone breaking into your home/office and finding the password book and using it to access your data is tiny and not worth worrying about
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
So glad that you had the backup in place - It's not the glossy side of computer use but it's one of the most important. One other thing, and this goes against a lot of advice - get a little notebook, and make a note of your passwords and what they are for.
The chance of someone breaking into your home/office and finding the password book and using it to access your data is tiny and not worth worrying about

(y)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 22H2 19045.4046
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell/Vostro 470 (Year 2012)
    CPU
    Intel i7-3770 @ 3.40GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 7500 Radeon HD Series
    Sound Card
    Realtek Hi-Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2412M
    Hard Drives
    1 TB 7200 HDD
    Keyboard
    Dell/USB
    Mouse
    Dell/USB
    Internet Speed
    100/10
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Security/MalwareBytes Premium
So glad that you had the backup in place - It's not the glossy side of computer use but it's one of the most important. One other thing, and this goes against a lot of advice - get a little notebook, and make a note of your passwords and what they are for.
The chance of someone breaking into your home/office and finding the password book and using it to access your data is tiny and not worth worrying about
With the passwords I have on paper I always add an extra character. I know not to include it but if anyone finds it, they don't.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I would suggest that you create a second local account and make it administrator. Write down the password somewhere so you don't forget - but don't forget where you stored it either! The local account will be unaffected by your Microsoft account problems.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!

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