Unable to Sign In to Windows 11 – PIN Disabled and Password Not Working

Kayla Deegan 0 Reputation points
2026-11-09T11:59:53.31+00:00

Basically, my PIN was somehow disabled due to “failed sign-in attempts or repeated shutdowns.” So, I switched to using my password, but now it says my password is incorrect. I double-checked, and I’m absolutely sure it’s correct!

I can’t even click on “I forgot my password.” What should I do? Please help!

My Wi-Fi is working fine, though.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Deleted

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  2. Vikki-T 13,945 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-10T11:20:54.5033333+00:00

    Hi Kayla Deegan,

    I understand how concerning this is when both available sign-in methods appear to be blocked.

    The disabled PIN message usually includes a temporary security waiting period. Please keep the computer switched on, connected to Wi-Fi, and undisturbed on the sign-in screen for at least two hours. Do not restart it or continue testing different credentials during this period. Once the waiting time has passed, try the PIN again.

    For the password, first confirm the keyboard layout displayed in the lower-right corner and use the On-Screen Keyboard under Accessibility to rule out an incorrect character, Caps Lock, or Num Lock. If the password was recently changed online, keep the device connected to the Internet while entering the new password.

    You can also review Microsoft’s official sign-in troubleshooting steps here: Troubleshoot problems signing in to Windows.

    If neither option works afterward, please clarify whether this is a Microsoft account or a local account and provide the exact error shown after entering the password, without posting the email address or any other private account information. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-11-09T12:00:09.69+00:00

    Try this in order:

    1. On the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and choose the key icon to sign in with the Microsoft account password instead of the PIN.
    2. Make sure the PC is connected to the internet from the lock screen by selecting the Network icon. Since Wi‑Fi is working, keep it connected while signing in.
    3. If the password still shows as incorrect, use one of these password reset paths:
      • On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, then select Forgot my password.
      • Or select I forgot my password on the sign-in screen if it becomes available.
      • Or from another browser/device, go to Reset password.
    4. If the account is found during recovery, complete the security code verification and set a new password.
    5. Restart the PC and sign in again with the new Microsoft account password.
    6. After a successful password sign-in, reset the PIN: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN.
    7. If the sign-in screen still will not accept the password, restart into Safe Mode with Networking and try signing in with the password there:
      • Hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart from the sign-in screen.
      • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
      • Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

    Important:

    • PIN and biometric sign-in are unavailable in Safe Mode. Only password sign-in works there.
    • If Windows says it cannot find the account during password recovery, verify the exact Microsoft account sign-in name, including the correct email domain such as .com or .co.uk, and try any alternate alias or phone number on the account.
    • If recovery still fails, use Contact Support from Microsoft Support. Support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details directly.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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