Use the built-in recovery options to get back into Windows and then repair your sign-in methods.
- Restart the device and try a normal restart first. In many cases, a simple restart clears temporary sign-in issues.
- On the sign-in screen, confirm the device really has internet access:
- Select Network on the lock screen and verify Wi‑Fi or Ethernet is connected as described in the sign-in troubleshooting guidance.
- If Wi‑Fi is unreliable, connect an Ethernet cable directly to the router or modem and ensure it’s firmly seated.
- If problems persist, test the internet connection with another device to rule out a network issue.
- If the device still reports “device is offline” or can’t validate the account, sign in using Safe Mode with a password (PIN and biometrics are unavailable there):
- From the sign-in screen, select Power > Restart while holding Shift.
- On Choose an option, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After restart, press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
- Sign in with the account password (the last password used on this device).
- Once signed in (either normally or via Safe Mode), open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and:
- Check Windows Hello PIN and reset or remove/recreate the PIN if needed using the Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips and Change or reset your PIN guidance.
- If Windows Hello is still failing, follow the Windows Hello troubleshooting article referenced in the sign-in troubleshooting page.
- If none of the above works and sign-in is still impossible (for example, the PIN and password both fail and Safe Mode sign-in is not possible), use the recovery options from the sign-in troubleshooting article, such as resetting the password or fixing a corrupted user profile, depending on which scenario matches the device.
If the issue persists after these steps, use another device to access the self-help sign-in helper or Windows Hello troubleshooting pages referenced below and follow the specific flow that matches the exact error message.
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