Windows: Limit login attempts - how it works

If you are too unsure of a password to secure your computer, you can also limit the number of attempts to log on to Windows to ensure your privacy.

A small command limits the Windows login attempts

Since there are unlimited login attempts under Windows 7 and Windows 8, it is quite possible for family members, for example, to find out the correct password by trying it out. This means that the password alone may not be suitable as a child lock.

• With a small command, however, you can put an effective bar on wild trying out.
• After you have logged in as administrator, enter the following command in the command line of the Windows Start menu: "net accounts / lockoutthreshold: X". The "X" at the end of the command only serves as a placeholder, instead enter the number of permitted failed attempts there.
• For example, if you only want to allow two login attempts, the corresponding command is: "net accounts / lockoutthreshold: 2".
• If someone then has two failed attempts to log on to Windows, the computer is locked for thirty minutes.
• If you have a Windows Professional or Business version, you have a few more options. In this way, you can set the lockout time after the login attempts yourself in the "Properties of account lockout threshold" menu. You can also have the failed login attempts logged. The "Monitor logon attempts" option can be found under "Administration" in the "Local security settings".
• Tip: If you exclude yourself too often with the registration block, you can of course also undo the limitation of the registration attempts. To do this, enter the same command again and replace the "2" with a "0" in our case. You will then have unlimited login attempts again.

If you want to lock the screen for security during a short absence under Windows, this is easily possible.