Challenge phrase

Question

I was cleaning my key board which caused it to inadvertently turn on the laptop and enter incorrect PIN numbers multiple times. It now wants a Challenge Phrase I have no memory of setting up and the options offered for fixing this do not help. I do not have the password/pin icons showing on the screen. I restarted in safe mode and it still asks for the elusive phrase. Why am I being locked out of a PC I own by software I paid for, with no support to overcome the corporately induced problem. This is outrageous customer service and the is no visible way to talk to a human being at Microsoft to resolve this

Answer 1

First, you'll need to access the Advanced Troubleshoot menu. You can do this by booting your computer into Advanced Startup. Here are a couple of ways to do that:

• From the Login Screen:
  • On the Windows login screen, click on the "Power" icon.
    • While holding down the "Shift" key on your keyboard, click "Restart."
      • This will take you to the Advanced Troubleshoot menu.
• In the Advanced Troubleshoot menu, select "Troubleshoot."
• In the Troubleshoot menu, select "Advanced options."
• Now, you should see a list of advanced options. Click on "Command Prompt" to open it.
• Type netplwiz and press Enter.
• On the User Accounts window, select your username and uncheck Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.
• Click Apply.
• Type your Password twice and click OK.
• Restart your PC and redo the steps in reverse to enable the sign in with password again.
• Restart your PC again and see if the challenge phrase would still occur.

Answer 2

I also had this experience, and this is the reason I wanted a Chromebook Laptop. I TELL MICROSOFT/WINDOWS TO STOP THIS BEFORE I REPROGRAM THIS STUPID COMPUTER!