How to Fix “The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged on to” Error on Windows 10?

Windows users can add multiple accounts on their devices so that they can share the device with others while ensuring the privacy of their programs and files. However, some actions affect all user accounts. For instance, certain changes in the Control Panel or Settings can have an effect on all the user accounts.

Some settings can only be tweaked by admin accounts. Regular user accounts may not be able to make certain changes unless they have access to the admin account credentials. The error: The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged on to, appears when the users enter the incorrect admin password several times in a row. To fix this error, follow the steps mentioned below.

Editing Local Security Policy

You can fix the error by editing the Local Security Policy. Follow these instructions provided below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys to launch the Run prompt.
2. Then insert ‘secpol.msc’ into it and select the OK button to invoke the Local Security Policy.
3. After that, choose the ‘Security Settings’ option.
4. You should launch the ‘Account Policy’ and click on the ‘Account Lockout Policy’ option.
5. Go to the ‘Account lockout threshold policy’ option and twice click on it to invoke the screen of Settings configuration.
6. To turn off the account lockout, change the existing value with 0, then select the Apply button.
7. Hit the OK button and close the screen of the Local Security Policy.
8. Now, you can sign in to the account without any error.

Check the DNS Settings

You should check the DNS settings by following these instructions provided below:

1. Go to the Windows icon and right-click on it.
2. Then choose the ‘Network Connections’ option.
3. Reach the right panel and click on the Ethernet option.
4. You should select the option ‘Change adapter’ over the right-hand side.
5. Select the Ethernet option, right-click on it, then choose the Properties option.
6. Reach the list and locate the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).’
7. Then choose the Properties option.
8. You should reach the Properties screen and mark the ‘Obtain DNS server addresses automatically’ box.
9. Now, hit the OK button.

Set the Password of Account to Never Expire

You can set the password of the account to never expire by following these instructions provided below:

1. Hold the Windows and R hotkeys to launch the Run prompt.
2. Thereafter, input ‘lusrmgr.msc’ into it and select the OK button.
3. You should click on the Users option in the right panel.
4. Then select the user and right-click on it, then choose the Properties option.
5. Once you reach the tab of General, mark the ‘Password never expires’ checkbox and select the OK button.

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Source: Error on Windows 10