forgot pin number windows 11

Question

forgot Pin number for windows 11 and cannot access PC

Answer 1

Hi whofeelsloveuk,

I understand how stressful it is to be locked out of your own PC because of a forgotten PIN can be very frustrating. I'm wondering if you have tried all the suggestions from the Q&A Assist yet? If none of those helps, let's check out some more advanced steps:

1 - Clear the Windows Hello cache:

• Power on the PC and force shutdown 3 times while Windows loads
• In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
• Then run these commands one by one:
  • diskpart
  • list vol
  • exit
• Identify the drive that contains the Windows folder (often C:)
• Then run the following (replace C: if needed):
  • cd /d C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
  • dir
  • ren Ngc Ngc.old
• Close Command Prompt > Restart PC > Sign in with password

2 - Reset PC if nothing works

• Trigger recovery and get into WinRE again (as instructed above)
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Reset this PC
• Keep my files > Local reinstall > Let it complete.

Disclaimer: This allows you to keep your files, but your applications and settings will be removed.

If you want, tell me whether this is a Microsoft account or local account, and if you can see Sign‑in options on the screen.

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Answer 2

To get back into the Windows 11 PC after forgetting the PIN, use the options on the sign-in screen.

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, under the PIN box, look for I forgot my PIN.
   • Select I forgot my PIN.
   • If there are multiple accounts, select the correct one.
   • Follow the on-screen steps to verify the Microsoft account and set a new PIN.
   • This option works only if the Windows account is a Microsoft account (not a local account).
2. If I forgot my PIN is not shown:
   • On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
   • Choose to sign in with the account password instead of PIN.
   • After signing in, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Under PIN (Windows Hello), reset or set up a new PIN.
3. If both PIN and password are forgotten for a Microsoft account:
   • On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password, or
   • Select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, follow the prompts, then choose Forgot my password, or
   • From another device, go to Reset password and reset the Microsoft account password.
   • After resetting the password, return to the PC sign-in screen, sign in with the new password, then reset the PIN from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
4. If using a local (offline) account and the password is forgotten:
   • On the sign-in screen, switch to password sign-in.
   • Select the password entry button, then OK, then Reset password.
   • Answer the security questions configured when the account was created.
   • After signing in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set a new PIN.

If sign-in problems continue (for example, errors when resetting PIN), use the general sign-in troubleshooting guidance referenced below.

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References:

• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows