Pin not working after BIOS update on Windows 11. How do I access my computer!?!

In command prompt is said it successfully set up a temp user. I rebooted and it has the same pin error with my regular Windows name and login. No temp user option.

This is so frustrating.

Will this happen with every BIOS update?

I think I need to reload my whole Windows 11 system. I don't want to have to lose everything with each update.

Option 1 is not an Option

Option 2 doesn't work. It won't connect to Internet

Option 3 I typed in the first line, hit enter and it said operation completed successfully. Entered the 2nd line of reg delete and it says "error: system unable to find the specified registry key or value"

Option 4 for whatever reason is not giving me an option prior to the update.. Likely because a second update occurred today for something else despite me being unable to log into my computer.

I'm having the same problem except it tells me to create a new password. So I login to my MS account and when I get to the place that says 'are you sure you want to create or change password' I click cancel and it allows me in. But when I lock the computer it happens again. This is very maddening. This must be an issue with the update. What's going on? Will there be a patch?

I appreciate your detailed update-you're making great strides, even with a really stubborn system. Given all the attempts and all the things that seem to be failing here's the next best action step to gain access to the old data without completely clearing/resetting everything;

New Plan: Creation of temporary local admins via recovery console

Because:

Cannot be signed in using PIN.

The Internet is not available in safe mode (so PIN reset is out of the question).

System restore has no valid option.

The hidden Admin account is enabled (net user administrator /active:yes)-but you may still be stuck at the login screen.

We'll proceed to create a new local admin account manually from the Command Prompt in the Recovery Mode and then log in through that account to resolve the PIN problem.

Stepwise: Create Local Admin Account from Recovery

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Force shutdown your PC 3 times in a row during the boot screen (hold power button when Windows starts loading).

On the third time, it should enter into the Recovery menu.

In case it doesn't work, you can utilize a Windows 11 installation USB instead, then choose:

Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt

2. Open Command Prompt

From the blue recovery menu, go to: mathematica

Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt

3. Create a New Admin Account

Type the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

net user TempAdmin P@ssword123 /add

net localgroup administrators TempAdmin /add

This creates a local admin account named TempAdmin with the password P@ssword123.

You can use a different name or password if you want — just remember what you choose.

4. Reboot and Log In

Type: cmd

exit

Then click Continue to Windows 11 (or just reboot the PC).

On the login screen, you should now see TempAdmin as an account option.

Select it and log in using the password you just set: P@ssword123

5. Inside Windows: Fix Your PIN

Once logged in with the new account:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Try removing or resetting the PIN for your main account (if it appears there).

Or create a new password for your original account:

Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account

Select your original account > Change password

If your original account is a Microsoft account and doesn’t show a password option, try this in Settings > Accounts > Your Info under your old user.

6. (Optional but Recommended): Delete the Temporary Account Later

Once your main account is working again, you can delete the TempAdmin account:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users

Select TempAdmin > Remove

Please try these steps and let me know how it goes. If you run into any issues, just reply back with the details.

Best regards,

Tin

Hello Andrea! Thank you for reaching out. I am Tin, an independent advisor, and glad to assist you today with this issue. Hello! Thank you for reaching out. I am Tin, an independent advisor, and glad to assist you today with this issue.

Option 1: Sign in using your Microsoft Account password (not PIN)

At the login screen: Look for “Sign-in options” below the PIN box.

Click the key icon to select password login.

Enter your Microsoft account password (not the PIN).

If successful, you’ll get in—and can reset your PIN via Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

If you don’t see a password option, continue to Option 2.

Option 2: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking and enable password sign-in

You mentioned Safe Mode didn’t help, but Safe Mode with Networking is key.

Try this method: Force shutdown the PC (hold power button) 3 times during boot to trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Select:

Advanced options

Startup Settings

Restart

Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking

Once in Safe Mode:

If prompted, try password login again. If it works, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, remove the old PIN, and set up a new one.

Option 3: Use Command Prompt to disable PIN requirement (from WinRE)

If you still can’t get in, do this from Windows Recovery:

Force reboot 3x to enter WinRE.

Go to: Advanced Options then Command Prompt

In the Command Prompt, enter:

reg load HKLM\temp "C:\Windows\System32\Config\SOFTWARE"

reg delete HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI /v Enabled /f

reg unload HKLM\temp

Close Command Prompt and reboot.

This should disable the PIN enforcement on the login screen, allowing password login again.

Option 4: Use System Restore (if available)

You mentioned trying this, but just to be sure:

From WinRE, go to:

Advanced Options > System Restore

Choose a restore point from before the BIOS update

If it fails, proceed to the next option.

Please try these steps and let me know how it goes. If you run into any issues, just reply back with the details.

Best regards,

Tin