0xC000015B Error: How to Fix This Logon Failure

Many users have complained that after making some changes to their computer, they could not log in using their PIN and encountered the 0xC000015B error.

The simple solution for this problem could be logging in using an alternate method and then changing the PIN. However, you can’t see other login options; this guide can help! We will explore effective ways to address the error and help you regain access.

What causes the 0xC000015B error?

There could be various reasons for this logon error; some of the common ones are listed here:

• Incorrect user credentials – This error could occur if you have entered an incorrect or invalid username and password while logging in to your computer. Verify the credentials to fix it.
• Corrupted system files – If critical system files related to the login process become damaged, it can result in login failures and errors. Run an SFC scan to repair the files.
• User rights and permissions -Insufficient user rights and permissions can prevent successful logons and cause problems.
• Network connectivity issues – If the Windows system relies on network authentication, the connectivity problems can cause logon failures and result in this error.
• Corrupted user profile – A corrupted user profile can lead to logon failures and trigger the error. You need to create a new user account to access the computer.

Now that you know the causes, let us check the troubleshooting methods.

What can I do to fix the 0xC000015B error?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

• Try restarting your computer.
• Use a different login method and then change the PIN.
• Restart your router.
• You must have administrative access to the PC to perform troubleshooting steps.

Once you checked all these, move to the solutions mentioned below.

1. Reset the PIN

1. On the sign-in screen, click I forgot my PIN.
2. On the next screen, enter your Microsoft account password.
3. Verify your identity using your phone number, then enter the last four digits of your number.
4. A code will be sent to your number; enter it and click Verify
5. On the Are you sure screen, click Continue to change the PIN.
6. Now on the Set up a PIN page, enter New PIN and confirm it, then click OK.

If this is not working for you, you must follow advanced methods to fix the issue.

2. Run your computer in a Safe Mode

1. Press and hold the Shift key on the Windows sign-in screen, click Power, then select Restart.
2. Once your PC restarts, you will get Choose an option screen, and click Troubleshoot.
3. On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
4. Select Startup Settings.
5. Click Restart. It may prompt you to enter your BitLocker recovery key.
6. After your PC restarts, you will get a list of options. Choose 4 or F4 to restart your computer in safe mode. If you want to use the internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Your computer will restart in safe mode; try changing the PIN now from the sign-in screen using Solution 1.

3. Perform the Startup Repair

1. Press and hold the Shift key on the Windows sign-in screen, then click Power, then select Restart.
2. From the Choose an option page, click Troubleshoot.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Select Startup Repair.

Now Windows will attempt to diagnose and repair any issues preventing your system from starting up correctly.

Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the repair process to complete. This may take some time. If it is successful, your Windows 11 system should boot up correctly.

Read more about this topic

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4. Perform a System Restore

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key, then click Power, then select Restart.
2. From the Choose an option page, click Troubleshoot.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. On the Advanced options page, click System Restore.
5. Select Choose a different restore point in the System Restore window and click Next.
6. Now select a point you want to revert to and click Next.
7. Click Finish to start the process.

Windows will restart & restore the selected version, and now try to log in. If System Restore doesn’t work for you, we advise you to check out our detailed guide to find solutions.

So, these are methods to fix the 0xc000015b on your Windows. If nothing worked for you, you must perform a clean installation of Windows to resolve the issue.

For any questions or suggestions, feel free to use the comments section below.