The Referenced Account is Currently Locked Out and May Not Be Logged On To

This blog post explains how to fix the error on Windows 11 or 10 “The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged into.” After multiple wrong attempts, users get this error on the login screen. To overcome this issue in the future, follow the steps below.

Wait 30 minutes, then Try the correct Windows Login password after successfully logging in to your PC/Laptop. Start with step 1.

Step #1: Open RUN Windows by pressing Windows + R on the keyboard.

Step #2: Type “gpedit.msc” and click Ok to open Local Group Policy Editor.

Step #3: Now, go to Local Computer Policy > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Account Lockout Policy > Account lockout threshold.

Step #4: Double-click on the “Account lockout threshold” in the Windows pop-up under the Local Security Settings > Enter “0” in the Account Will Not Lock Out field.

Now, click on Apply and Ok to save the changes.

Or,

You can also set a higher number limit, which will lock out after “30 or 50” invalid login attempts.

Now, restart your Windows PC or Laptop to apply the changes.

To reset the Login Password Now,

If you are stuck on “the referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged into”, can’t log in, you can forget your Windows Login password using a password reset disk (If you have one!). Otherwise, check out the quick solutions below,

1. Microsoft Account Recovery: Visit account.live.com/password/reset on another device, verify your identity, and reset your password.

2. Use Another Admin Account: Log into a different admin account, go to Computer Management > Local Users > Set Password.

3. Command Prompt Method:
   1. With Installation Media:
      1. Download the Windows installation media (ISO) – Windows 11 or Windows 10, from the Microsoft website on another computer.
      2. Create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the installation media (Download “Create Windows 11 Installation Media Tools” from the official link).
      3. Boot your locked computer from the USB/DVD.
      4. Choose your language and click Next, then click Repair your computer.
      5. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
      6. Replace Sticky Keys with Command Prompt:
         • Type copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:\ and press Enter.
         • Type copy /y c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe and press Enter.
      7. Restart the computer and remove the USB/DVD.
      8. Press the Shift key five times on the login screen to open the Command Prompt.
      9. Reset the password: net user username new_password (replace with your username and new password).
      10. Log in with the new password.
   2. Without Media: Trigger recovery mode by force shutdown, rename utilman to cmd, use Ease of Access to open cmd, then reset password.