PC login is required PIN, forgot it cannot login. Does not give any other option. How do I reset or login ?

Question

PC login is required PIN without any other option and I don't remember and cannot login. How do I reset or login ?

Answer 1

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

May I please know if you can switch the sign-in method from PIN to Password?

If the 'I forgot my PIN' option is unavailable, and you're unable to use the password, you will have to boot your PC in safe mode and then try resetting your PIN from there. To boot your PC in safe mode, first boot it into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) Screen:

1. Start your device and wait for the Windows logo (or the manufacturer's logo) to appear.
2. As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down.
3. Turn your device on again and repeat step 2.
4. Turn your device on a third time. Windows should display the Automatic Repair screen.

Once you are in the WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.

• Press F4 or 4 (number key) on your keyboard to boot your PC in safe mode.
• You will have to use your Administrator Password to sign in.
• Once signed in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign in options > Reset your PIN.

If you are unable to reset your PIN from safe mode, let me know whether you have successfully booted your PC in safe mode so we can try other methods.

Let me know if you still need more help.

Answer 2

If the sign-in screen only shows the PIN box and no other option, use the built-in PIN/password reset paths from the lock screen. The steps differ slightly depending on whether the account is a Microsoft account or a local account.

1. Try the PIN reset from the sign-in screen

On the Windows sign-in screen, under the PIN field:

• If I forgot my PIN is visible:
  • Select I forgot my PIN.
  • If prompted, choose the correct account.
  • Follow the on-screen steps to verify the account (this uses the Microsoft account) and then create a new PIN.

If this works, sign in with the new PIN.

2. If I forgot my PIN is not shown, switch to password sign-in

Even if only the PIN box is shown initially, Windows normally allows switching to password:

• On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
• Choose the password icon.
• Enter the account password to sign in.

After signing in:

• Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options (Sign-in options).
• Under PIN (Windows Hello), select Change PIN to change it, or I forgot my PIN to reset it and follow the instructions.

3. If the account is Microsoft account and the password is also forgotten

Reset the Microsoft account password first, then use it to sign in and recreate the PIN:

From the sign-in screen:

• Select I forgot my password, or
• Select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, complete the prompts, then choose Forgot my password.

Or from another device:

• Go to Reset password and reset the Microsoft account password.

After the password is reset and confirmed working on the web:

• Return to the PC sign-in screen and sign in using the new password (via Sign-in options > password).
• Then open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set up a new PIN (Windows Hello).

4. If the account is a local account and only the PIN is forgotten

• On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
• Choose the password icon.
• Sign in with the local account password.
• Then go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• Under PIN (Windows Hello), select Change PIN or I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts.

5. If the account is a local account and both PIN and password are forgotten

Use the built-in local password reset from the sign-in screen:

• On the sign-in screen, select the password entry option.
• Select OK, then Reset password.
• Answer the security questions configured when the account was created.
• Set a new password.
• Sign in with the new password.
• Then open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and create a new PIN.

If none of these sign-in or reset options appear (no Sign-in options, no I forgot my PIN, no Reset password), follow the general Windows sign-in troubleshooting guidance and, if needed, use the Microsoft account recovery options from another device to regain access, then return to the PC and sign in with the recovered credentials so a new PIN can be created.

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References:

• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• Change or reset your PIN when you're already signed in
• PIN reset
• User experience
• How nondestructive PIN reset works
• Change or reset your password in Windows
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows