pin is unavailable

Question

Recived a message sayin I needed to input my Bitlocker key. I located it and it accepted it only to get a message saying und PIN isn't available. There is a password option but I apparently don't know the password. I do know the PIN. How do I get on my computer?

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Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Identity Manager

Answer 1

If you are receiving a message stating that the PIN is unavailable, and you have already entered your BitLocker recovery key, you may need to reset or recover your PIN. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Unlock the Device: Since you have the recovery key, use it to unlock your device. You can do this by entering the recovery key when prompted.
2. Reset the PIN: Once you have access to the system, you can reset your PIN. To do this:
   • Open the BitLocker Control Panel applet.
   • Expand the drive that is encrypted with BitLocker.
   • Select Change PIN and then choose Reset a forgotten PIN. You may need administrative credentials to proceed.
   • Enter and confirm your new PIN.
3. Check for Other Unlock Options: If you still cannot access your device, you may need to consider using a password if you remember it, or contact your system administrator for further assistance.

If you continue to experience issues, you may need to reinstall the operating system or contact the OEM for support.

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References:

• Error after you enter a BitLocker PIN at Windows startup: Too many PIN entry attempts
• BitLocker recovery process

Answer 2

Once I enter the Bitlocker key, time after time, it takes me to this how can I get past this?

Answer 3

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

Have you tried resetting your Microsoft Account password from the Sign-in options screen?

• Click Sign-in options.
• On the password screen, select 'I forgot my password' and follow the prompts to reset it.

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If you're having trouble resetting your password, you can try these methods:

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.