A1B2C3 code

Question

Hi Team,

When I restarted my Windows 11 ENTERPRISE Workstation before letting me enter my set up Pin code, it said "you have provided pin several times enter the following phrase to continue" and the code was A1B2C3. When I tried to click that code (A1B2C3) it let me to sign in Windows through my pin code. Is it some kind of Phishing attack on my system or a bug from MSFT?

Answer 1

Hello Srijan,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community and I'll be glad to assist you today.

Are you being asked to enter the A1B2C3 code every time you restart your computer?

You will be asked to enter the Phrase "A1B2C3" when someone has entered an incorrect password multiple times or if your device has restarted several times during a recent Windows update. As a security measure, Windows may lock your device and require you to enter the code before allowing you to type your PIN again.

For example, if a child or pet accidentally presses keys and enters the wrong PIN or password multiple times, the system will lock itself for security reasons. Since they are unlikely to type "A1B2C3" correctly, this helps prevent repeated failed sign-in attempts.

This is not a phishing attempt or a bug; it’s a security feature designed to protect your device from unauthorized access.

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be happy to help you further.

Best regards,

Gunasekar N

Hi Gunasekar,

Thank you for your prompt response.

I haven't typed pin code several times neither someone entered incorrect pin. When I start my PC pressing power button, it asked me to enter Phrase "A1B2C3" which is quite unusual.

Answer 2

Hello Srijan,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community and I'll be glad to assist you today.

Are you being asked to enter the A1B2C3 code every time you restart your computer?

You will be asked to enter the Phrase "A1B2C3" when someone has entered an incorrect password multiple times or if your device has restarted several times during a recent Windows update. As a security measure, Windows may lock your device and require you to enter the code before allowing you to type your PIN again.

For example, if a child or pet accidentally presses keys and enters the wrong PIN or password multiple times, the system will lock itself for security reasons. Since they are unlikely to type "A1B2C3" correctly, this helps prevent repeated failed sign-in attempts.

This is not a phishing attempt or a bug; it’s a security feature designed to protect your device from unauthorized access.

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be happy to help you further.

Best regards,

Gunasekar N