Windows is stuck in a loading cycle and unable to access your account?
Windows is stuck in a loading cycle and unable to access your account?
My dad's old PC is stuck in a startup loop where basic Windows background tasks load for about ten seconds, then the screen goes blank and restarts again — Windows never fully loads. I can check Task Manager, but even opening the command prompt is only temporary. A quick fix would be to run a Windows repair.
Problem: he always uses his PIN for login. His old passwords aren't working. I changed the password online, but it doesn't register with the system. This makes it impossible for me to log in or access the repair options.
Any suggestions?
The information confirms whether your dad no longer recalls the PIN. It also asks about any error messages during the failed password registration attempt and inquires if you've reached out to Microsoft.
Clarification: he understands his Windows PIN, which is the method for logging in. That’s why I can access Windows without any issues. The issue arises when trying to reach Windows repair or recovery features to fix the endless loading problem. A Windows PIN isn’t enough since the system needs the account password. Although we can change the online account password, the current PC remains locked with the previous one.
I contacted their support line, but was directed to an automated system for password assistance. That didn’t resolve the issue since I’m able to reset the password, though it isn’t recognized by the computer. Re-dialing now leads me back to the password help page, and I’m unable to connect with anyone.
Windows will start using the PIN for booting. The method being used for the reset is unclear. If the password reset does not register with the computer, you may see an error message, pop-up, or similar alert.
I'm not certain about this process anymore, but if your Windows 10 or 11 disk is working, have you tried booting there to check for repair or recovery options? If that fails or isn't an option, you might want to connect another device, back up the data, and then reformat and reinstall from there.
This won't help your current problem but there is a known issue with using the PIN in Safe Mode (and Startup Repair too it appears). I ran into this issue on my Win11 system recently, but research suggests it exists in WIn10 too. The cause is the toggle switch in settings to 'Only allow Windows Hello Sign-In from this computer' - it's in Settings > Accounts > Sign-In Options. You'll find the toggle switch under Additional Settings.
Turning this toggle switch off allows you to login with the password or the PIN. Obviously this is less secure but it does mean you can login with the password in Safe Mode - and, I assume, in Startup Repair.
AFAIK there is no quick command to turn this off, although there is a registry hack.