Windows account locked: how to fix it?

Do you have a computer that runs Windows 10 , but you can't log in to your user account ? Are you receiving a message that your account is locked or disabled ? Don't panic, there are solutions to unblock your account and regain access to your computer. windows account may be locked and how to unlock it.

What are the possible causes of windows account lock?

There are several reasons that can cause your windows account locked . Among the most common, we can cite:

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  • Entering the password incorrectly too many times. Windows 10 has a security feature that locks the account after a certain number of failed authentications. The number of attempts allowed may vary depending on your computer configuration, but is generally 5 or 10.
  • A Microsoft Account Terms of Service If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10, you must comply with the Microsoft Services Agreement. If Microsoft detects suspicious or abusive activity on your account, it may lock it temporarily or permanently. For example, if you send spam, malware or illegal content from your account.
  • A hardware or software problem on your computer. Your computer may be damaged or infected with a virus that prevents the operating system from functioning properly. For example, if your hard drive is faulty or your registry is corrupted.

How to unlock windows account?

To unlock windowsaccount, you can try the following methods:

Method 1: Wait for the lock delay to end

GetPaidStock.com 645cf11c8a2daIf your account has been locked due to entering the password incorrectly too many times, you can wait until the lockout timeout expires to try to log in again. The lock time may vary depending on your computer configuration, but is generally 30 minutes. You can see the remaining time on the login screen.

Method 2: Reset Password

If you have forgotten your password or think it has been compromised, you can reset it to unlock your account. The procedure depends on whether you are using a local account or a Microsoft account.

  • If you are using a local account, you must have previously created a password reset disk or USB drive with the credentials. If so, follow these steps:
    • Insert the disk or USB drive into the computer and restart it.
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    • On the login screen, click Reset Password .
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the disk or USB drive and create a new password.
    • Remove the disk or USB drive and restart the computer.
    • Log in with your new password.
  • If you use a Microsoft account, you must have access to another verification method, such as a secondary email address, phone number, or authenticator app. If so, follow these steps:
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    • On the login screen, click I forgot my password .
    • follow the instructions
  • on the screen to choose the verification method and receive a security code.
    • Enter the security code and create a new password.
    • Restart the computer and log in with your new password.

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Method 3: Use a different administrator account

If you have another user account with administrator rights on the computer, you can use it to unlock your account. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Log in with the administrator account and open Computer Manager . You can access it by right-clicking the Start and choosing Computer Management .
    tth img w10 startmenu computer management
  • In the left pane, click Local Users and Groups , then click Users .
    tth img w10 app management computer users 1
  • In the right pane, right-click the locked account name and choose Properties .
    tth img w10 app management computer users property 1
  • General tab , uncheck the Account is locked and click OK .
  • Log out of the administrator account and log back in with your account.

Method 4: Use Command Prompt

If you don't have another administrator account or password reset disk, you can try using Command Prompt to unlock your account. To do this, follow these steps:

  • F8 key several times before Windows loads. This will take you to the advanced boot options menu.
  • Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt and press Enter .
  • Once Command Prompt opens, type the following command and press Entrance :
    • net user username /active:yes
    • Replace username with the name of the locked account.
      command prompt account prompt windows10
  • Restart your computer normally and log in with your account.

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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about windows account lock:

How do I prevent my windows account from being locked?

To prevent your windows account from being locked, you can take the following steps:

  • Remember your password carefully or write it down in a safe place.
  • Do not enter your password too quickly or too often if you make a mistake.
  • Follow the Microsoft account terms of service if you use one.
  • Protect your computer from viruses and hardware damage.

How do I know if my windows account is locked?

To find out if your windows account is locked, you can check if you receive a message that your account is locked or disabled when you try to log in. You can also check if you can access your Microsoft account from another device or web browser.

How do I unlock my Microsoft account if I don't have access to my verification method?

If you don't have access to your verification method to unlock your Microsoft account, you can try filling out an account recovery form. To do this, follow these steps:

  • On the login screen, click I forgot my password .
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your email address and the security code displayed.
  • Click I don't have any information when prompted to choose a verification method.
  • Click Fill out an account recovery form and follow the on-screen instructions to provide as much information as possible about your account and activity.
  • Wait for Microsoft to review your request and send you an email response. This may take up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

windows account lockout is a problem that can prevent you from accessing your computer and data. There are several possible causes for this problem, but also several solutions to resolve it. We hope this article helped you understand why your windows account may be locked and how to unlock it. If you still have any questions or comments, please let us know in the section below.

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Hello me, it's François :) Editor in my spare time who loves sharing his passion: TT High tech! 😍 Whether it's hardware, software, video games, social media and many other areas on the site. I share with you my analyses, my tests, tutorials and my favorites on various media. I am a knowledgeable and demanding technophile, who does not just follow fashion, but who seeks to guide you towards the best solutions. So stay tuned!