Forum Discussion
PIN Doesn't Work After a Windows 11 Restart; Account Is Locked
The system is Windows 11 Pro 25H2, using a local account; I am not signed in with a Microsoft account. Yesterday, while unlocking the device, I entered the PIN incorrectly multiple times due to a typing error and the account was locked. This morning, when I first turned on the computer, the device prompted that it was locked again before I even finished entering the PIN. Sometimes I can log in normally with the PIN, and Windows Hello authentication works fine, indicating that the PIN itself is not the issue. Due to limited dexterity in my hands, I tend to make mistakes when entering the PIN.
I have tried setting the value under the registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RemoteAccess\Parameters\AccountLockout to 0
but this value was already set to 0. The system has not yet been upgraded to 26H2, but security updates and driver updates have been installed successfully. I'm hoping to find a way to disable account lockout or work around this issue. The device is a custom-built desktop with an MSI motherboard, AMD CPU, and PNY graphics card, so it's not convenient to send it in for repair.
2 Replies
Your screenshot shows the PIN sign-in option temporarily disabled after failed attempts or repeated shutdowns. That is different from proving the local account itself is locked. The RemoteAccess registry location controls remote-access client lockout, so it is not the appropriate control for this screen.
Use Sign-in options to select your local account password if available. Otherwise, follow the displayed instruction to keep the device powered on for at least two hours before trying again; avoid repeated PIN attempts during that period.
To reduce typing errors, the sign-in screen's Accessibility button provides an On-Screen Keyboard. Once signed in, review Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and consider compatible Windows Hello face or fingerprint hardware. Those methods can reduce reliance on entering the PIN accurately.
The Microsoft-account-only Hello setting suggested above does not apply to your local account. I would keep protection enabled and investigate unexpected lockouts rather than disable it.
In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, change Require Windows Hello to sign in to your Microsoft account to Never, and set up a picture password or increase the number of allowed PIN entry attempts.
