How to Unlock Accounts in Windows 11

Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional

Jul 24, 2022 Updated Apr 16, 2026 3 min read Reviewed Mar 19, 2026

Have you ever been locked out of your Windows 11 computer? This happens when someone enters the wrong password too many times. Windows does this to stop hackers from guessing your password.

Why does this happen?

Windows 11 uses a security feature to protect your data. If there are too many failed login attempts, the system locks the account. This prevents unauthorized people from breaking into your PC.

What happens when done?

Once you follow these steps, the account is unlocked. You will be able to log in with your correct password again immediately.

How to unlock an account using the Local Users and Groups manager

Note: This tool is only available on Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions of Windows.

Open the Start menu and type lusrmgr.msc.
Select the result to open the manager.

Windows 11 Local Users and Group Manager interface for unlocking accounts

(Admin privileges required)

Click on the Users folder on the left.
Find the name of the locked account in the list.
Double-click the account name to open its properties.
Uncheck the box that says Account is locked out.
Click OK and close the window.

Unlocking a locked-out account in Windows 11 settings

How to unlock an account using the Terminal

If you prefer using commands, you can use the Windows Terminal.

Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
Choose either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Windows Terminal running as administrator for account management

(Admin privileges required)

Type the following command and press Enter:

net user "username" /active:yes

Make sure to replace “username” with the actual name of the account you are trying to unlock.

Summary

Windows 11 locks accounts after 10 failed login attempts to keep your computer safe. You can wait for the 10-minute lockout timer to expire, or you can manually unlock the account using the lusrmgr.msc tool or the Terminal. These security policies, such as the Account lockout duration and the administrator, are designed to protect you from brute-force attacks. You can view more details about these settings in the lockout threshold or by searching for settings in Windows Search.

How do I unlock a locked-out account in Windows 11?

To unlock a locked-out account in Windows 11, open the Local Users and Groups Manager by typing 'lusrmgr.msc' in Windows Search. Find the account under the Users folder, right-click it, select Properties, and uncheck the 'Account is locked out' box.

What is the default account lockout threshold in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, the default account lockout threshold is set to 10 failed sign-in attempts. This means that after 10 unsuccessful login attempts, the account will be locked until it is manually unlocked or the lockout duration expires.

Can I unlock a Windows 11 account using the command line?

Yes, you can unlock a Windows 11 account using the command line. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator and run the command 'net user "" /active:yes', replacing '' with the account name you wish to unlock.

What happens when an account is locked out in Windows 11?

When an account is locked out in Windows 11, it cannot be used until it is explicitly unlocked by an administrator or until the account lockout duration expires, which can be set between 1 to 99,999 minutes.

Is Local Users and Groups Manager available in all Windows 11 editions?

No, the Local Users and Groups Manager is only available in the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 11. Users on the Home edition will need to use other methods to manage user accounts.

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Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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