The length of time a computer will lock you out for entering the wrong password will depend on several factors such as the operating system and security settings in place. Here are some potential reasons why a computer may lock you out and the associated lockout periods:
1. Failed login attempts: Many operating systems have built-in security measures that will lock you out after a set number of failed login attempts. Windows, for example, typically locks users out for 30 minutes after 10 unsuccessful attempts. Apple's iOS 16 may lock the user out for 1 hour or more depending on the security settings.
2. Brute force attacks: If someone tries to gain unauthorized access to your computer using a brute force attack, where an automated program tries multiple passwords in quick succession, many systems have protections in place that will lock you out after a certain number of failed attempts within a set timeframe. These lockout periods can range from minutes to hours or more depending on the operating system and security settings in place.
3. Administrator lockouts: If you are an administrator on a network and attempt to log in to certain accounts with the wrong password, you could trigger a lockout period for that account. The length of the lockout period will depend on the network's settings and the severity of the attempted breach.
It's always a good idea to follow best practices when it comes to password security, such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and not sharing passwords across multiple accounts.