Login via password not pin

Question

How do I sign into my microsoft account with my password when only PIN is available as an option?

Answer 1

Hello

You are referring to the Windows sign in, not website sign in, right?

If so, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign in options, scroll down to mid page, under "Additional Settings",Make sure "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello Sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended). " is turned OFF.

Then next time when you sign in, click on "Sign in options" to switch to password option.

Answer 2

On Windows 11, the sign-in methods available on the lock screen are controlled by the sign-in options configured in Settings. If only the PIN option is shown, enable password sign-in from Settings first.

On a device where access is still possible (for the same account):

1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Under Ways to sign-in, ensure Password is set up (create or change it if needed).
3. If Windows Hello PIN is enforced (for example by work or school policy), password sign-in to the device itself may be restricted; in that case, use the PIN to unlock the device and use the password only for web sign-in (such as the Microsoft account page).

If the device is already locked and only PIN is allowed on that screen, and policy requires Windows Hello, there is no supported way (from the provided information) to bypass that and use the password directly on the Windows 11 lock screen; the password can still be used for the Microsoft account on the web and for security changes there.

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References:

• Sign-In Options in Windows
• Sign in to your account with a security key
• Sign in to and out of your Surface
• Use a screen reader to navigate sign in options in Windows