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Fix: Sign-in Option Disabled Due to Failed Sign-in Attempts

Nine ways to fix login problems in case you forgot your password

7 min. read

Updated onMarch 29, 2024

updated onMarch 29, 2024

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Key notes

Forgetting your login password is something that everybody does. Too many attempts can cause Windows todisable the sign-in option, but it can easily be overcome.

But let’s say yourecover your passwordand try to log in again, only to be rejected once more. If this happens, this is a sign of a greater problem afflicting your computer.

Why did the sign-in option become disabled?

It’s rather rare for this problem to occur, so there aren’t a lot of culprits behind a disabled sign-in option. A lot of the time, it typically comes down to user error.

How can I re-enable the sign-in option?

There are many different ways you can try to get past this error. But for the sake of brevity, we’re only going to cover the best 10. And that amount will be split across both easy and complex solutions:

1. Restart Windows 11 in Safe Mode

This solution is recommended to be done first as it allows you to bypass the error message and log into your computer. The following solutions aim to fix the problems causing this error in the first place.

2. Run System File Checker and DISM commands

After applying the steps above, you must be able to access your device through the sign-in option. If that is not the case, you may need an alternative solution to fix it.

You can always rely on modernrepair and optimization softwarethat will fully diagnose your Windows OS and repair corrupted files, registry files, and other essential concerns.

3. Run the Check Disk command

You should also perform the Check Disk scan on other hard drives if multiple drives are connected to your computer.

4. Adjust the account lock policy

Configuring the Local Group Policy Editor is usually a feature exclusive to Windows 11 Pro, but it’s possible to get it running on the Home version.

Doing so requires you to run a specific batch file on the Notepad app.

5. Tweak AccountLockout in the Registry Editor

Facing similar issues like Account is disabled. Please see your administrator; take a look at this guide to find solutions.

6. Reset the account password

Be sure to check out Microsoft’s instructions onhow to create administrator accountson Windows 11 if you don’t have one or you don’t remember.

7. Delete the Ngc folder

Is it possible to run commands without being an administrator?

As you can see from the solutions, most of them require you to have admin-level permissions. This can make it difficult for users who aren’t admins to fix any error, but it is possible.

For example, if you want toflush out the DNS cachewithout admin rights, you can still open either the Command Prompt or PowerShell.

And be sure to check out our guide on what to do ifregistry editing has been disabled by the admin. The SFC scan mentioned earlier still works, regardless of the level of access you may have.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 errors. And please tell us if there’s a specific guide for any login or security issue you’d like to see.

More about the topics:Password issues,Windows 11

Cesar Cadenas

Networking & Security Specialist

Cesar has been writing for and about technology going on for 6 years when he first started writing tech articles for his university paper. Since then, his passion for technology blossomed into a prosperous writing career. He first started writing about tech in the entertainment world and would later move on to write about smart life tech and social media. He was recently a Technical Writer for tech company Extron where he wrote user guides for audio and video equipment.

He has since moved on to being a freelance writer looking to have a career in copywriting and hopes to share his love and knowledge of technology with the world. Recently, Cesar has written for the cryptocurrency news site, BTCPro and helping people understand tech.

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Cesar Cadenas

Networking & Security Specialist

Cesar is a tech expert passionate about Windows, Microsoft, and anything surrounding the world of PCs.