How do I correct the issue with my PIN?My login screen states something happened and you pin isn’t available.

Question

When I turn my computer on it asks for my pin. I have done this for months with no issue. When I go in today, it states “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available. Click to set up your PIN again. Below this is “Set up my PIN. When I click this, nothing happens.

Please help me resolve this.

---

Moderator: Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows

Answer 1

Hi!

First, try to solve the problem by following the steps in the link below: 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-signing-in-to-windows-298cfd5f-df1f-c66b-36ad-f2a61a73baad 

• If the problem persists, please log in to your Microsoft account from the site below using another device (mobile or computer) > Sign in with your Microsoft account > Reset your password through the site. 

https://account.microsoft.com/account?lang=en-us 

• Restart the computer > Make sure it is connected to the internet correctly > Enter your new password. On the lock screen, click Login Options > Key icon to enter your Microsoft password. 

- Another solution that may help is to disconnect the Internet or Wi-Fi cable from your PC > Restart your computer > Connect the Internet cable > Restart your computer > Enter the PIN or password again. 

 

Point Recovery  

If the problem persists, try to restore your PC to a previous point. 

1. Hold down the SHIFT key and restart your computer in the Lock Screen. 

• Hold SHIFT until you access the Recovery Screen 

NOTE: If the computer cannot access Windows, before turning on the device, press the F8 key until it enters the Recovery Mode (do not stop pressing the key until you enter the option).  

• Some manufacturers can change this key, such as SHIFT, ESC, F11, F12. 
• Also try holding the key (do not stop holding the key until you enter the option). 
• Try holding the WINDOWS key and the On/Off button, and when the computer starts, release them. 

2. In Recovery Mode, select Troubleshooting > System Restore 
3. Scroll through the Restore Window until you reach the available Restore Points > Choose the latest > Advance the options. 

 

Uninstall Updates 

- In Recovery Mode, select Troubleshooting > Uninstall Updates. 

• Choose the "Uninstall Latest Quality Update" option. 
• If the problem persists, go back to the Menu and choose the "Uninstall Latest Feature Update" option. 

Answer 2

If you are encountering an issue with your PIN where it states that your PIN isn’t available, here are some steps you can take to resolve it:

1. Try Restarting Your Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
2. Access the Command Prompt: If you can access the login screen, try the following:
   • Click the Power icon, hold down the Shift key, and select Restart.
   • Once in the recovery environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
3. Enable the Built-in Administrator Account: You can enable the built-in administrator account using the Command Prompt. This will allow you to log in without needing the PIN:
   • Load the System Registry Hive and navigate to the appropriate registry path to enable the Administrator account.
   • After enabling it, restart your computer and log in using the Administrator account.
4. Reset Your PIN: Once logged in as Administrator, you can reset your PIN or delete the corrupted NGC folder that may be causing the issue.
5. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is up to date, as updates can fix bugs related to PIN and login issues.
6. Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

These steps should help you regain access to your computer and resolve the PIN issue.