Share via

Something happened and your pin isn't available.

Mudit Sharma 0 Reputation points
2026-02-11T01:38:20.9+00:00

After a BIOS update, the sign-in screen displays the message: “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available.”

For clarity, I am using genuine software, keep my system up to date, maintain a clean environment, and do not make unnecessary changes to Windows settings.

When selecting “Set up my PIN”, the option does not function. Additionally, the password associated with my Microsoft account is not being accepted, even after resetting it.

I have attempted the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Used the recovery options by pressing F10.
  2. Recovery is unavailable due to the absence of recovery files.
  3. Attempted to use Registry Editor via Command Prompt, without success.
  4. Tried the automatic repair/recovery process, which resulted in the message: “Your device ran into a problem and couldn’t be repaired.”
  5. Tried to switch to the safe mode, but that doesn't work either. 

This issue has caused delays to my deadlines and resulted in significant and unnecessary disruption. I am unable to reset my PC because certain critical software is in a state where it cannot be restored after reinstallation and is essential for my work. Even if a reset were possible, reinstalling and reconfiguring all required software would take approximately three days.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Kapil Arya 37,826 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-02-11T05:43:20.21+00:00

    While clicking on the Set up my PIN link, make sure that your system is connected to the Internet in order to complete the reset PIN process.

    You need to sign in to Microsoft account first to verify your identity.

    Once the identity has been verified, you can re-setup your PIN.

    If you like, you can steps in this fix:

    https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-something-went-wrong-and-your-pin-isnt-available-in-windows-11

    Let us know if this helps!

    Note: Included link(s) in this reply refers to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Gunasekar N 70,330 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-11T02:29:49.35+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    Option 1. Reset TPM Memory from BIOS.

    TPM is responsible for storing the ashes for Windows Hello PIN. Resetting it may resolve the sign-in issue.

    1. Boot your PC into the BIOS Utility screen.
    2. In the Security or Advanced tab, find TPM 2.0 Security or Intel PTT (or similar terms), select Clear TPM, and click OK.
    3. Save the configuration changes made and restart your computer.
    4. Sign in with your PIN.

    Option 2.

    Your device might be booted into Diagnostic startup mode, which disables all the necessary Windows services. This could have happened after making any recent system changes to your device. You can follow the guidelines in the article below to switch the startup type to Normal Startup and see if you can sign in with your PIN normally again.

    https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/something-happened-pin-not-available-diagnostic-mode/

    Note - This article was written by a trusted Microsoft MVP, Ramesh.

    Disclaimer - This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.'

    Let me know if you still need more help.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.