Why is Windows requiring a PIN reset after reboot?

Thank you for the extra steps. However, after completing steps 1 & 2 I am not returned to a Windows login screen. After restarting the machine, I receive the same ‘Set up my PIN’ prompt.

Command prompt showing TempAdmin user name & password successfully added.

Hello there,

Thank you for the update and I'm so sorry to hear that you are still having some issue. Since you’re able to access Safe Mode, let’s try using that environment to get around the PIN requirement and regain full access.

Here’s what to do next:

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking

1. From the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
2. On the “Choose an option” screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. When your PC restarts, press F5 or 5 to choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

**If you're already in Safe Mode (no networking), restart and follow these steps to get internet access, which is required for the next steps.

Step 2: Create a New Local Administrator Account

1. Once in Safe Mode with Networking, press Windows + X, then select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run the following commands one by one:

net user TempAdmin P@ssw0rd123 /add

net localgroup administrators TempAdmin /add

**This creates a new local administrator account named TempAdmin with the password P@ssw0rd123.

3. Restart your PC normally and log in using this new account.

Step 3: Remove Existing PIN & Reconfigure

1. Once logged in as TempAdmin, go to:

Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello PIN

Select Remove to delete the current PIN.

2. Then go to:

Settings > Accounts > Your Info

Confirm that the problematic account is listed, or re-add it if needed.

Step 4: Convert to a Local Account (Optional but Recommended)

If the issue persists with your Microsoft account, converting it temporarily to a local account might help reset any corrupted credentials:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info.
2. Click Sign in with a local account instead.
3. Set a new username and password.
4. Restart and log in with this local account.
5. After logging in, you can choose to sign back in with your Microsoft account from the same menu.

I hope this resolves the issue this time. Looking forward for a positive outcome.

Warm regards,

Pau

Thank you for these suggestions but none of them worked.

1, 2 & 5 are all validated.

3, 4 & 6 requires access to my Windows desktop / device, which is why I am here requesting help.

I can get to Safe Mode and that’s about it.

Hello Mwschwarz,

I’m Pau, your Independent Advisor. I’m here to offer reliable support and guidance tailored to your specific needs. I understand that you are currently experiencing an issue, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Based on the information you have provided, we kindly ask that you perform the following workarounds to help us further isolate the issue:

Let’s walk through the solution:

1. Check your internet connection

Make sure your PC is connected to the internet when trying to reset your PIN, as it needs to verify your identity online.

2. Verify your alternate email or phone info

Go to your Microsoft account security settings via https://account.microsoft.com/security and confirm that your recovery email and phone number are up to date. If they’re missing or outdated, you won’t receive the verification code.

3. Clear cached credentials
   • Press Windows + R, type control keymgr.dll, and press Enter to open Credential Manager.
   • Under “Windows Credentials,” remove any stored credentials related to your Outlook or Microsoft account.
   • Restart your PC and try resetting your PIN again.
4. Use the web to verify your identity
   • You may visit https://account.live.com/proofs/manage and try to verify your identity there. Sometimes, Microsoft requires additional verification on their site before allowing PIN reset on the device.
5. Disable and re-enable PIN sign-in
   • On the sign-in screen, click “Sign-in options” and select password to log in if possible.
   • Once logged in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Remove the PIN under Windows Hello.
   • Restart your PC, then set up your PIN again.
6. Check for Windows updates

Sometimes, security patches or updates can cause issues. Make sure your PC is fully updated (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update).

*** If none of these steps work, you might want to try logging in using your password instead of the PIN until you can reset it through your Microsoft account online.

I hope I was able to address your concerns. If there’s anything else I can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Warm regards,

Pau