This sign-in option is disabled ...

At login yesterday I got the message "This sign-in option is disabled because of failed sign-in attempts or repeated shutdowns". I've tried all the fixes and tricks I could find on the internet. That includes waiting for 2 hours, changing some parameters using iusrmgr.msc and regedit but to no avail. I've also used easeUS partition manager to clear the pin code. I then thought I found a brilliant solution, I restored the C: drive with an Acronis copy from earlier the same day. It didn't work. I tried with a copy from two weeks back and it failed the same way. How is this possible? Is it a hardware problem? I've run out of ideas. Is there anyone in this forum who has any?



Windows 11 64 bit, latest updates.

try sfc /scannow

have you changed a BIOS setting?

kelper said:

try sfc /scannow

have you changed a BIOS setting?

Click to expand...

I've managed to run sfc in sae mode.
I have not changed BIOS.
The strangest thing is that I get the same failure after restoring the system with a copy from a time when it was working. Is there something stored on a piece of hardware which survives a system restore?

hcccs said:

Is there something stored on a piece of hardware which survives a system restore?

Click to expand...

Yes, the BIOS.

How do you normally sign in? As you have recent backups, I suggest to format the C: drive and do a fresh install of Windows to see if it works properly.

would you be able to get to the command prompt.
this maybe of help.

best of luck. Steve ..

Is this local account or Microsoft account?

Can you access Recovery environment?

Is this your own or a company's computer? Are you the only user? Could someone have been trying to guess your password?

You have not said if you are using a local or MS account or whether you use Home or Pro. There is an option in group policy in Pro to disable account lockout.

Things you can try:

1. You can wait for 2 full hours which is the default time for account lockout. to see if you can sign in.


2. If you have more than one signin option enabled, at the login screen (for example say you have enabled both both pin And password) on the login screen you should be able to click 'enter' and be given the second signin method as an option to choose from.


3. If you are using a local account, You can enter recovery and access command prompt and try option #2 here to see if you can release your user account. Unlock Locked Out Account in Windows 11 Tutorial
To enter recovery, power down the device with the power button. Hold down shift key and Power on device. Keeep shift pressed until you see the recovery screen. In recovery options, Click on troubleshoot>advanced options>command prompt.
However, I do not think that method works if you are using a MS account.

4. You Can use that method to enable the hidden administrator account, though, to at least get access to your computer.
Once at command prompt type net user Administrator /active:yes (note the space)
Restart the computer and you will see 2 users on the signin screen. Select administrator.

If you are unable to get into recover using the shift+boot method, another way to get into recovery to boot from installation media to access recovery and command prompt where you can use the same commands. Boot from an installation usb drive and select 'repair your computer'. This will bring you to the recovery screen.

5. Once in the administrator account , if you are using PRO, you can disable built-in administrator lockout which should release your own user account. Enable or Disable Built-in Administrator Account Lockout in Windows 11 Tutorial
After making this change, restart and attempt to login in to you own user account again.

kelper said:

Yes, the BIOS.

How do you normally sign in? As you have recent backups, I suggest to format the C: drive and do a fresh install of Windows to see if it works proper

Click to expand...

Sign in with 4-digits (pincode?)

kelper said:

Is this your own or a company's computer? Are you the only user? Could someone have been trying to guess your password?

Click to expand...

My own computer, only user, No.
I booted it in the morning a couple of days ago, did some work, went for a walk and came back an hour later and tried to login and it failed.

Assuming the computer is online have you seen anything that may mean you have been hacked?

While you waited two hours, did you leave your computer on? This is necessary.

kelper said:

While you waited two hours, did you leave your computer on? This is necessary.

Click to expand...

Yes, I waited almost threehours.

wiganken said:

Assuming the computer is online have you seen anything that may mean you have been hacked?

Click to expand...

I haven't noticed anything unusual.

kelper said:

While you waited two hours, did you leave your computer on? This is necessary.

Click to expand...

Yes

glasskuter said:

If you are using a local account, You can enter recovery and access command prompt and try option #2 here to see if you can release your user account. Unlock Locked Out Account in Windows 11 Tutorial
To enter recovery, power down the device with the power button. Hold down shift key and Power on device. Keeep shift pressed until you see the recovery screen. In recovery options, Click on troubleshoot>advanced options>command prompt.
However, I do not think that method works if you are using a MS account.

Click to expand...

It is a Microsoft account. I'm running Windows 11 Pro.
I've managed to empty the NGC folder and I can now start a login using my Microsoft Account password. Having given my password it requires that I create a PIN and I click Next and then it starts the 'spinning wheel' saying 'Just a moment' and nothing happens after that. I also tried to login with no internet connection but that doesn't work because it needs to verify my account. Setting Administrators account to active doesn't change anything, Admin doesn't appear as a login option.