Disabled Pin

Question

my laptop displays the message "This sign-in option is disabled because of failed sign-in attempts or repeated shutdowns," It is a brand new computer.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

To fix it, either wait at least 2 hours with the PC powered on, or select "I forgot my PIN" to reset it using your Microsoft account credentials.

On the sign-in screen, look for "Sign-in options".

Click it and see if Password is available. Try signing in with your Microsoft account password.

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If there is no password option and it keeps forcing PIN, you need to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Follow these steps by turning your device off and on repeatedly:

1. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to power off your device.
2. Press the power button to turn on your device. As soon as you see the initial indication of Windows starting (such as the manufacturer's logo appearing during a restart), hold down the power button for 10 seconds to power off your device.
3. Repeat this process twice.
4. On the third start, Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment.
5. Select "Advanced options."
6. On the "Choose an option" screen, choose "Troubleshoot" and select "Advanced options".
7. Select "Startup Repair" and then "Restart".

If Windows didn't start normally, try System Restore. Boot into the winRE again using steps 1 to 6. Once you're in "Advance option", select "System restore" and then check to see if you have a restore point you can go back to.

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

The message means Windows has temporarily blocked the PIN sign‑in after too many failed attempts or unexpected shutdowns. Use another sign‑in method to get back in, then fix or reset the PIN.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in with password instead of PIN
   On the sign‑in screen, choose your account and select the option to sign in with your password (or another Windows Hello method like fingerprint/face if available).
   If the password is not accepted or is forgotten, use the appropriate recovery option from the sign‑in screen:
   • I forgot my password → follow the flow to change or reset your Windows password or reset a forgotten Microsoft account password.
2. If sign‑in still fails, try Safe Mode
   Safe Mode lets Windows start with minimal drivers and can bypass some sign‑in issues:
   1. On the sign‑in screen, select Power > Restart.
   2. When the sign‑in screen appears again, hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
   3. After restart, on Choose an option, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   4. When options appear, press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
   5. Sign in with your password (PIN and biometrics are not available in Safe Mode).
3. Once signed in, fix the PIN
   After you are in Windows (normal mode or Safe Mode):
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options.
   • Under Windows Hello PIN, choose to reset or remove and then set up the PIN again using the guidance in Forgot your PIN.
4. If no method works
   If password, PIN reset, and Safe Mode all fail and this is a brand‑new PC with no irreplaceable data, a clean reinstall or reset may be required, similar to the resolution in the referenced case where the device was reformatted and Windows reinstalled.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips
• User Account Access in Windows
• Unable to log in to Dell Rugged Laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• Stuck in an infinite loop involving the PIN - Microsoft Q&A
• PC bloqué par MS - Microsoft Q&A