The Referenced Account is Currently Locked Out and May Not be Logged Into

When you repeatedly enter an incorrect password in Windows, an error message stating "The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged on to" is displayed. This error hinders your ability to access your account.

To address this problem, you can resolve it by restarting your computer and attempting to log in with the accurate password after a span of 10 to 30 minutes. If the issue persists, consider resetting your password, deactivating the "Account lockout threshold," or disabling password expiration.

How to Unlock a Locked out Account on Windows 11/Windows 10

Unlocking a locked out account in Windows 11 or Windows 10 involves a few steps to regain access. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Method 1: Wait and Retry

1. Wait: If you've entered an incorrect password multiple times, your account might be temporarily locked. In this case, the simplest solution is to wait for about 10 to 30 minutes before attempting to log in again.

2. Retry: After the waiting period, try logging in again with the correct password. If you've remembered the correct password, you should now be able to access your account.
   
   

Method 2: Password Reset

1. On the Login Screen: If waiting doesn't work, you can try resetting your password directly from the login screen:

   • Click on "Reset password" or "Forgot password" (the wording might vary).
   • Follow the prompts to reset your password. This might involve answering security questions, using a recovery email, or confirming your identity in other ways.
     
     

2. Using Another Account (Admin Access Required):

   • If you have another user account with administrative privileges, log in to that account.
   • Open the "Computer Management" tool:
     • Right-click on the Start button and select "Computer Management."
       
       
       
       
       
   • In the left sidebar, go to "System Tools" > "Local Users and Groups" > "Users."
     
     
     
     
     
   • In the middle pane, right-click on your locked account's name and select "Set Password."
     
     
     
     
     
   • Follow the prompts to reset the password.
     
     

Method 3: Disable Account Lockout Threshold

1. Administrative Access Required: This method requires administrative privileges.
2. Local Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type "gpedit.msc," and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
   • Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "Account Policies" > "Account Lockout Policy."
   • Double-click on "Account lockout threshold" and set the value to "0" to disable lockouts.
   • Click OK and restart your computer.
     
     

Method 4: Password Expiration

1. Administrative Access Required: This method requires administrative privileges.
2. Local Group Policy Editor:
   • Open the Local Group Policy Editor as mentioned in Method 3.
   • Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "Account Policies" > "Password Policy."
   • Double-click on "Maximum password age" and set it to "0" to disable password expiration.
   • Click OK and restart your computer.
     
     

Remember that methods involving administrative access can potentially impact system security, so use them cautiously. If none of these methods work, and you're unable to regain access to your account, it's recommended to seek assistance from Windows support or a knowledgeable IT professional.

FAQs About Unlocking a Locked Windows 11/10 Account

1. How do I unlock a locked Windows account? 
Wait for 10-30 minutes, retry with correct password. If not, reset password from login screen or admin account.

2. Can I disable account lockout settings?
Yes, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to adjust "Account lockout threshold."

3. How can I prevent password expiration?
Access the Local Group Policy Editor, modify "Maximum password age" setting to disable expiration.

4. What if none of these methods work? 
If unsuccessful, seek Windows support or IT professional assistance for advanced troubleshooting.

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