This error means your Windows account is temporarily locked due to too many failed password attempts. It is a security feature, usually lasting about 30 minutes to an hour before it automatically unlocks. To resolve it immediately, wait for the lockout period to expire, use another admin account, or log in to a different account.
How to Fix the Locked Account Error
Check Local Account/Safe Mode: If you have another admin account on the computer, log in with it,
open cmd as Administrator, and type cmd:
C:\Windows\System32> net user yourusername /active:yes
to unlock it.
Alternatively, boot into Safe Mode to access the system. To do so Hold continuosly (Right or Left Shift key), while on the Windows Login Prompt and choose Restart.
Wait like this until PC boots and choose the Appearing Troubleshoot -> Console option.
From recovery console to list the users:
C:\Windows\System32> net user
Check Time/Date (are correct)
Ensure your system's time and date are accurate, as discrepancies can cause authentication failures.
Wait it Out
The simplest annoying fix is waiting 30–60 minutes, as the account will automatically unlock itself.
Restart the Computer: A simple reboot can sometimes clear temporary policy locks.
Use an Administrator Account: If it is a domain account, contact your IT helpdesk (if you have such) to unlock it.
Account Unlock Method 2: Unlock Windows Locked Account via lusrmgr.msc
If you could still log into your computer using another administrator account, you can open the Local Users and Groups snap-in (lusrmgr.msc) and unlock any locked Windows account easily.
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type lusrmgr.msc, and click OK.
lusrmgr.msc
2. Click the Users folder in the left pane of Local Users and Groups snap-in. Next, right-click on your locked account in the middle pane and then select Properties.
3. Under the General tab, uncheck the option labelled Account is locked out, and then click Apply to unlock your account. That's it!
Unlock locked windows Admin account with linux
Unlocking a locked Windows local account using Linux is achieved by booting from a live Linux USB (such as Ubuntu or Kali Linux) and using the chntpw (Change NT Password) utility to edit the Windows Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database. This method works for local accounts, but not for online Microsoft accounts.
Prerequisites
A USB drive (min 8GB) to create a bootable Linux live environment.
The chntpw utility (installed by default on Kali Linux, or installed via sudo apt install chntpw on other distributions).
Crucial: Disable Fast Startup in Windows or ensure a full shutdown (hold Shift while clicking Shut Down) to prevent the partition from being locked in read-only mode.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using chntpw command
Create and Boot Live USB: Download a Linux ISO (e.g., Ubuntu, Kali), burn it to a USB using Rufus or Etcher, and boot the locked computer from this USB.
Mount Windows Partition:
Open a terminal and identify your Windows drive:
# fdisk -l
Mount the partition (e.g./dev/sda2):
# mkdir /mnt/windows
# mount /dev/sda2 /mnt/windows
Navigate to SAM Registry:
# cd /mnt/windows/Windows/System32/config/
List Users: Run the following to list users and find the RID (Relative ID) for your account:
# chntpw -l SAM
Edit User / Unlock Account:
Run the interactive tool for your username (replace username):
# chntpw -u username SAM
To unlock: Press 2 to unlock and enable the user account.
To clear password: Press 1 to clear the password.
Save Changes: When asked "Write hive files?", type y and press Enter.
Reboot:
# umount /mnt/windows
# reboot
Account Unlock Method 3: Unlock Windows Locked Account with PCUnlocker (boot CD image)
Sometimes you might get your only admin account locked out after successive failed login attempts.
For security if you are a paranoid sysadmin who configured to automatically unlock the account, you'll be permanently locked out of Windows box and none of the usual tricks work to get you back in, then a boot CD like PCUnlocker would be perhaps the only option.
Download the PCUnlocker utility (ZIP archive) and save it to your desktop or another place you can get to easily. Extract the ZIP file to your local drive and you'll get an ISO file.
Next, burn the ISO file to a blank CD using your favorite image burning program. If you want to install PCUnlocker onto a USB flash drive, I recommend using the freeware like ISO2Disc.
Boot your locked computer from the CD just burned.
To to so, you may need to change the BIOS boot order so the CD drive option is listed first (if it is not already done in BIOS).
After successfully booting from the CD, PCUnlocker will list out all accounts on your computer available to manage.
Under the "Locked Out" column in the list, you can see which account is locked out already.
Choose your locked account / click on Reset Password button.
It will quickly unlock your Windows account and remove the existing password.
Remove the disc from PC. Restart it and log in as you normally do, but leave the password field empty.
You should be in!
After fixing the "The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged on to" error.|
Consider setting a new Windows password that is hard to guess but easy to remember, or change the account lockout policy in Windows, to prevent account to be locked out in future.
