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How to SWITCH login method from PIN to password

Anonymous
2018-01-31T19:55:32+00:00

Apparently Microsoft really wants their users to use a PIN instead of a password. So much so, that when a user sets up a PIN, (which some applications require), the PC changes its settings to use that as the Log On method. 

All I want to do is change my log on method BACK to my password.

I'm using Windows 10 Pro, with Touch Support.

   (Build number doesn't show on the "Control Panel - System" window. I guess that's another topic)

Please do NOT try to explain: 

 - Why a PIN is more secure than a password.

      (It's not, because my password ONLY opens my PC. It doesn't work on any other account).

 - How to reset my password or PIN.

     (I haven't forgotten either one.)

 - How to switch TO using a PIN as a log on method.

     (There are many threads on that subject. I've yet to find one which explains how to switch BACK to using a password.)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-01-31T23:32:21+00:00

    Hi James,

    You can only set up a PIN if you've set up a password on your Windows 10 user account. Once you set up a PIN, you will have the option to either change or remove it. To remove your PIN, follow these steps:

    1. Click the Windows logo (Start button).
    2. Click the gear icon (Settings).
    3. Select Accounts.
    4. On the left pane, choose Sign-in options.
    5. Under PIN, press Remove.
    6. Click Remove again.
    7. Enter the user account password, and then click OK.

    After doing the steps above, you can sign-out to your account to see if you will be able to log-in using the password.

    Let us know how it goes.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-08-11T15:01:13+00:00

    Alright guys so there is two options.

    You can remove the pin like Argel (Microsoft) stated. But of course doing that means anything else in windows that uses the pin (i.e. the microsoft store) wont work as intended.

    The second option I have found is instead of removing the pin just click change. Then select the checkbox to use letters and symbols. You can now create a regular password, yes its still technically the pin but you can set it up as a real password rather then just some crappy pin with only numbers. Much easier solution.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-02-05T19:28:31+00:00

    So, basically the answer is, "You can't."

    I've read several "solutions" to this issue, and the only one which seems to work is to remove the PIN.

    In other words, you CAN have a PIN and a Password, if the PIN is your log-on method. But CAN'T have both if you would rather use something more complex than a number to open your computer.

    It's not the answer I wanted to hear, but apparently it is the answer.  (I wish the experts would be upfront about this, instead of acting like they answered the question.)

    Ultimately that means I will have to recreate the PIN when Microsoft applications require that I have one, then delete it again.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T00:07:15+00:00

    There is NO Remove option, only an Add option.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-07-30T02:01:25+00:00

    So basically what i understand from this thread is that there is no way to have a password for just your computer like in the past. Either use a password to your Microsoft account or a PIN. No way to set up a password just for the particular PC (local)?

    So if someone happens to see the password i'm typing in, they automatically know and have access to my full Microsoft account and not just the particular PC, if they ever try and log in to my machine?

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