Fix “The Referenced Account is Currently Locked Out” Error in Windows

When Windows users encounter the “The Referenced Account Is Currently Locked Out” error, it can be extremely frustrating.

However, users typically encounter this error when they attempt to log in multiple times using incorrect credentials, which locks their accounts.

If you want to fix this problem on your Windows 11 PC, you will be happy to know that in this guide, we have mentioned some of the best fixes that have the potential to fix this. So, let’s get started with the guide.

What is “the Referenced Account is Currently Locked Out”?

Several security features are implemented in Windows to secure user accounts from unauthorized access.

To prevent potential brute force attacks, Windows locks an account when the login credentials are entered incorrectly several times.

In certain circumstances, this security measure may remove legitimate users from their accounts, causing them to receive “The Referenced Account Is Currently Locked Out” errors.

What are the Common Reason Behind this Problem?

There are a number of common causes of this error, including:

1. Incorrect Password Attempts: Account lockout policies can be initiated if users repeatedly enter incorrect passwords.
2. Expired Passwords: When a user repeatedly attempts to log in with an expired password, they will be locked out.
3. Network Issues: If the user is trying to log in over the network, connectivity issues can cause difficulties.
4. Security Policies: There is a higher chance of encountering this error if security policies are strict, such as low locking thresholds for accounts.
5. Account Hacking Attempts: Third parties can also lock out an account through unauthorized access attempts.

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Pre-Requisites

To resolve the issue, make sure you have the following:

1. Administrative Access: There are some solutions that require administrative rights.
2. Alternative Account Access: Your secondary account can be helpful if your primary account is locked.
3. Patience: It may take some time to come up with a solution, especially if you have to wait for the lockout period to end.

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Steps to Fix “The Referenced Account Is Currently Locked Out” Error in Windows

Here are some crucial steps that you need to take in order to remove this problem from your Windows PC:

Fix 1: Use the “I forgot my password” Option

It is common for users to use their Microsoft account as their login credentials when accessing their PC. In this case, the PC is synchronized with the mail and can be quickly recovered.

It is possible, however, to encounter an error stating “The Referenced Account Is Currently Locked Out” if you forget your email password.

Nevertheless, if you enter an incorrect password multiple times, you will be locked out of the account.

You will need to reset your email password in order to be able to unlock your account if that has happened.

1. Select I forgot my password/PIN on the login screen.
2. You will see the login screen after a few seconds.

3. Sign in using your Microsoft account password.
4. If you don’t remember your Microsoft password, click Forgot My Password?

5. Select your email from the verification method screen and click Next.
6. Afterward, you will receive a verification code in your email. Enter that code and click Next.
7. You will need to create a new password and log in again.

In order to resolve the “The Referenced Account Is Currently Locked Out” error, reset your PC after you verify your identity.

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Fix 2: Edit Local Security Policy

You can unlock your account via Local User Management if you use Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise on your PC.

1. In the Run box, type secpol.msc, then hit Enter.
2. In the Local Security Policy window, select Security Settings.
3. Go to Account Policy and select Account Lockout Policy.
4. To open the Settings configuration window, double-click the Account lockout threshold policy (on the right).
5. The value for the account lockout must be replaced with 0 to disable it. Click Apply to save the changes.

6. Press OK to close the Local Security Policy window.
7. Your account will then be able to be accessed without the “The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be accessed” error showing up.
8. Thereafter, to run Command Prompt as administrator, type cmd in Windows search, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
9. Click Yes when User Account Control appears.
10. Afterward, type the following command into the new window and press Enter: gpupdate /force

11. Ensure that the Command Prompt is closed.

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Fix 3: Delete Cached Credentials

It is also possible for corrupted credentials to cause account lockouts in Windows. Delete the cached credentials for the locked account, then sign in again using the hidden admin account.

1. In the Start menu, type credentials Manager and select Credential Manager.
2. Choose Windows Credentials.
3. Go to the Generic Credentials section and select the credentials for the locked account.
4. Then select Remove.
5. To proceed, select Yes on the confirmation prompt.

Make sure that the correct password is entered when logging into the locked account after you sign out of the hidden admin account.

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Fix 4: Check Your DNS Settings

To ensure your internet connection is stable, secure, and efficient, you should check your DNS (Domain Name System) settings.

Computers use IP addresses to communicate with each other over networks when they exchange domain names (such as www.example.com). To check and possibly fix DNS settings issues on various platforms, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on Start button
2. Then, pick Network Connections
3. Select Ethernet in the right pane
4. Right-click on the Change Adapter options
5. To view Ethernet’s properties, right-click it and select Properties.
6. Thereafter, in the list, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties.
7. Make sure that Obtain DNS server addresses automatically is checked and click OK in the Properties window

If that doesn’t work, you can try using Google’s DNS by selecting Use the following DNS server addresses and entering the following information:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternative DNS server: 8.8.4.4

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Fix 5: Set the Account Password to Never Expire

In some situations, it may be necessary to set an account password to never expire, especially if the account is used for service or administrative tasks that require uninterrupted access. On a Windows system, you can configure this as follows:

1. Using Windows key + R, enter lusrmgr.msc and press Enter.
2. In the right pane, select Users.
3. Right-click the user and select Properties.
4. Make sure the Password Never Expires box is checked in the General tab, and click OK.

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Fix 6: Contact IT Support

It is recommended that you contact IT support if all else fails. Depending on your organization’s policies and infrastructure, they can provide specific solutions.

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the referenced account, which is currently locked. Thank you for reading this guide. We hope it was helpful. Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know if you have any questions.