Windows Hello PIN Not Working Consistently

Cyriac 0 Reputation points
2025-09-22T16:05:03.5966667+00:00

The issue encountered involves the error message: "Your PIN is no longer available due to a change to the security settings on this device." This message appears after starting the laptop, despite following the instructions to reset the PIN through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. The PIN worked for one day but then the same error reappeared. Assistance is needed to resolve this problem.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. April P 5,450 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-22T16:59:01.5966667+00:00

    Hello Cyriac,

    This is April, I'll be happy to assist you. Sorry to hear that you're having issue with Windows Hello PIN. Let me help you out.

    Based on the issue you provided, the Windows Hello PIN keeps becoming unusable, showing an error that it's unavailable due to security changes. Even after resetting, it only works for a short time before failing again.

    1. Has the device recently undergone windows update, domain change or group policy modification?
    2. Are you signing in with a Microsoft account, a local account or a domain/work account?
    3. Are there any third-party security installed?

    Possible causes included a corrupted NGC folder that stores PIN data, policy or registry changes that block PIN use, TPM or Credential Manager errors affecting authentication or account sync and domain conflicts. It often seen on work or school devices after major updates.

    Here's step-by-step instructions that can help you fix the issue:

    1. Reset PIN Data (Delete NGC Folder)
      1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the NGC folder.
      2. If you can't access it:
      • Right-click the folder > Properties > Security > Advanced
      • Change the owner to your user account and grant Full Control.
      1. Delete all contents of the folder
      2. Restart your PC.
      3. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and create a new PIN.
    2. Clear TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
      1. Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter.
      2. In the right pane, select Clear TPM.
      3. Follow the prompts and restart your PC.
    3. Verify Group Policy (if available)
      1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
      2. Navigate to:
      Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
      1. Make sure Turn on convenience PIN sign-in is set to Enabled.
    4. Registry Adjustment (Advanced Users)
      1. Press Win + R, type regedit and go to:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
      1. Find AllowDomainPINLogon and set its value to 1.
      2. Restart your system.
      3. Switch to a Local Account Temporarily
      4. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
      5. Select Sign in with a local account instead
      6. Set up a PIN
      7. Restart and test login
      8. If successful, you can switch back to your Microsoft account afterward.
      Let me know the result. If you need further assistance you can reply to this message. Thank you, April P. Independent Advisor

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