Where do I find my pin? I am trying to log into my computer and it’s asking for one but I can’t seem to find it or got it

Question

Where do I find my pin? I am trying to log into my computer and it’s asking for one but I can’t seem to find it or got it

Answer 1

Hello Zeth Adams,

Just to clarify — your PIN isn't something that can be looked up or retrieved, it can only be reset. The good news is that's straightforward to do.

On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options just below the PIN entry field, then choose to sign in with your Microsoft account password instead. Once you're logged in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and you can set a new one from there.

If you don't see the password option or you're using a local account, let me know and I can walk you through the alternative steps.

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Answer 2

A PIN is a 4+ digit code created when Windows Hello was set up; it is not something that can be “looked up.” If the PIN is forgotten, it must be reset.

Follow the steps that match the situation.

If not signed in (stuck at the sign-in screen):

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, under the PIN box, look for I forgot my PIN.
2. Select I forgot my PIN and follow the on-screen steps to verify the account and create a new PIN. If there are multiple accounts on the device, select the correct one.
   • This option is available for Microsoft accounts, not local accounts.
3. If I forgot my PIN is not shown, select Sign-in options, choose Enter your password, sign in with the account password, then reset the PIN from Settings (see next section).

If already signed in and just want to change/reset the PIN:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options (or use this shortcut: Sign-in options).
2. Under PIN (Windows Hello):
   • To change a known PIN: select Change PIN and follow the instructions (the old PIN is required).
   • If the PIN is forgotten: select I forgot my PIN and follow the verification steps to set a new one.

If both PIN and password are forgotten (Microsoft account):

1. On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password, or
2. Select Sign-in options → Web sign-in, complete sign-in, then choose Forgot my password, or
3. From another device, go to Reset password to reset the Microsoft account password first.
4. After the password is reset and used to sign in to Windows, use Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options to set a new PIN.

If using a local account and the password is forgotten:

1. On the sign-in screen, switch to password sign-in (password icon).
2. Select OK → Reset password.
3. Answer the security questions configured when the account was created.
   • If a password reset disk was created earlier, choose Use a password reset disk.
4. After signing in with the new password, go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options to set a new PIN.

If sign-in problems continue, see the sign-in help article referenced below for additional options.

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References:

• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips
• Help for accounts in Windows