code A1B2C3

Question

you have entered an incorrect pin to mant times and code A1B2C3

Answer 1

Hi,

It appears that the PIN has been locked due to multiple incorrect attempts, which triggered a security restriction. The error code A1B2C3 indicates that Windows is temporarily preventing access to protect the account or device.

To better understand the issue:

Are you able to sign in using your account password instead of the PIN?

Do you see any option on the screen such as “I forgot my PIN” or “Sign in options”?

Are you signing in with a personal Microsoft account or a work or school account?

Answer 2

The message indicates a lockout after too many incorrect PIN attempts. On Windows devices this typically happens with BitLocker PINs or Windows Hello sign-in PINs.

If this is a BitLocker startup PIN and the device now shows an error similar to “Too many PIN entry attempts,” use these supported options:

1. Enter the BitLocker recovery key
   • At the BitLocker PIN screen, choose the option to use the recovery key.
   • Type the 48‑digit BitLocker recovery key for the system drive.
2. Wait for the lockout period to expire
   • If the TPM lockout is temporary, leave the device powered on at the lock screen until the unlock period expires, then enter the correct PIN.
3. Turn off BitLocker or unlock the drive using manage-bde
   • At the BitLocker entry screen, press Esc to access other recovery options.
   • Open Command Prompt.
   • To unlock the drive with recovery credentials:

          manage-bde -unlock <DriveLetter>: -recoverypassword <Password>
          manage-bde -unlock <DriveLetter>: -recoverykey <RecoveryKey>
     

   • To turn off BitLocker (this decrypts the drive and can take time):

          manage-bde -off <DriveLetter>:
     

   • Only use manage-bde -off if decryption is acceptable; it removes BitLocker protection from that drive.
4. As a last resort, reinstall Windows and reset the TPM
   • Reinstalling the OS and resetting the TPM will clear the lockout but also removes existing OS data and configuration.
   • Back up any data that can be accessed before proceeding.
5. If the device is OEM‑preinstalled and new
   • The issue can be caused by the OEM not resetting the TPM lockout count before shipping.
   • If none of the above works, contact the device OEM for support and mention the BitLocker PIN lockout.

If the error is instead for a Windows Hello sign‑in PIN (not BitLocker), and the PIN cannot be reset from the sign‑in screen, use an alternate sign‑in method (password, security key, etc.) if available, then remove and reconfigure the PIN from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. If no alternate method works and recovery of the account is impossible, a clean reinstall (reset this PC) may be required, which can remove apps and settings.

---

References:

• Error after you enter a BitLocker PIN at Windows startup: Too many PIN entry attempts