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Reset the PIN from the sign-in screen
- On the sign-in screen, select the affected account. If the device has multiple accounts, make sure you have selected the one whose PIN is failing.
- Below the PIN field, select I forgot my PIN, if it appears.
- Follow the verification prompts, then create a new PIN.
Microsoft documents this sign-in-screen reset for Microsoft accounts, not local accounts. A Windows Hello PIN is associated with a particular device and is a separate sign-in method from the Microsoft account password. See Microsoft’s instructions to change or reset a Windows PIN and its explanation of Windows Hello.
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If “I forgot my PIN” is missing, try your password
Select Sign-in options and choose the password option if it is available. Sign in with the password for the account, not the PIN. Then open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and choose the available PIN reset option.
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If there is no password option, one possibility is that Windows is configured to allow only Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on that device. This is a setting to check, not a diagnosis of why the PIN stopped working. Microsoft describes this configuration in its Windows passwordless sign-in guidance; available choices can vary by device and setup.
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If Windows asks you to create a PIN again
If you can sign in but Windows asks you to set up a PIN again, follow the prompt and create one. Microsoft says this can happen after security updates or other system changes; it is a possible explanation, not proof that a particular update caused your sign-in problem. You can also check for available system updates. See Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips.
Restart before trying diagnostic options
Microsoft recommends restarting as an initial sign-in troubleshooting step. If the sign-in screen offers it, choose Power > Update and restart to finish pending updates; otherwise restart normally and try the PIN reset steps again. Microsoft’s Windows sign-in troubleshooting guidance covers restart and recovery options.
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Use Safe Mode only if you can enter your account password
Safe Mode can help investigate a sign-in problem, but it does not accept PIN or biometric sign-in. You need the account password. From the sign-in screen:
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- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the restart, choose 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, if needed.
If you do not know the password or cannot use it, do not expect Safe Mode to bypass the sign-in requirement. Use the account’s password recovery route instead.
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If it is a local account and you also forgot its password
The sign-in-screen I forgot my PIN link is not available for local accounts. If you have lost the local account password too, select the password sign-in option, choose OK, then Reset password and answer the security questions configured for that account. A password reset disk can also be used if you created one earlier. Once you regain access, manage the PIN in Settings. See Microsoft’s instructions for changing or resetting a local account password.
Choose the recovery path by account and sign-in option
| Situation | What to try |
|---|---|
| Microsoft account; “I forgot my PIN” appears | Use the sign-in-screen verification and create a new PIN. |
| Microsoft account; reset link missing, password sign-in available | Sign in with the account password, then reset the PIN under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. |
| Local account; PIN fails but password works | Sign in with the local account password and manage the PIN in Settings. |
| Local account; password also forgotten | Use Reset password and security questions, or a previously created password reset disk. |
| Either account type; considering Safe Mode | Proceed only if you know the account password; PIN and biometrics are unavailable in Safe Mode. |
When these steps do not resolve it
Windows version and build, the exact update, the displayed error, account type, and device policies can affect the next step. Note the exact message and whether password sign-in is available before seeking support. The guidance above does not establish that uninstalling an update, deleting PIN files, editing the registry, or installing repair software is necessary; avoid those higher-risk changes without a diagnosis specific to the device.
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