not able to set up my pin

Question

Not able to set up a pin. I am asked for a PIN however I never set one up and the instructions are not that clear.

Answer 1

Hi Victoria Baird,

To help us better understand what’s happening, could you please let me know where you’re being asked for the PIN (for example, on the Windows sign‑in screen, within Settings, or when opening a specific app)?

Additionally, if possible, please share a screenshot of your current Settings page, specifically Settings (Windows +I) > Accounts. This will help us see whether the sign‑in options are available or being hidden by the system.

Please feel free to share the details and screenshot when ready. I’ll be happy to review them and advise on the next steps.

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Answer 2

Follow these steps to set up or change a Windows Hello PIN when signed in to Windows:

1. Open Settings on the PC.
2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options (or use this shortcut: Sign-in options).
3. Under PIN (Windows Hello):
   • If there is no PIN yet, select Set up (or Add PIN) and follow the prompts.
   • If a PIN exists and needs changing, select Change PIN and follow the instructions. The current PIN is required to change it.
4. If the PIN is requested but not known, and the option is available, select I forgot my PIN and follow the directions to verify the account and create a new PIN.

If the PIN (Windows Hello) option is missing or dimmed (unavailable), a device or organization policy may be blocking PIN creation. In that case, contact the device administrator or organization IT support to review Windows Hello or convenience PIN policies.

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References:

• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• Can't configure a PIN when Convenience PIN and Hello for Business policies are enabled
• Windows Hello errors during PIN creation