enable a disabled device

Question

i need to enable a disabled device on my account with MicroSoft 365 and I need help with getting a new pin reset to log into my new desktop. I do not remember the pin

Answer 1

To solve both issues, handle the disabled device in Microsoft 365 first, then reset the Windows PIN so the desktop can be used.

1. Enable the disabled device in Microsoft 365 (admin required) If the device is disabled in Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), a Microsoft 365 admin must:
2. Sign in to the Azure portal.
3. Go to Microsoft Entra ID > Devices.
4. Search for the device (by device name or the user’s name).
5. If it appears under disabled devices, select it and choose Enable.

If the device was deleted instead of disabled:

1. On the Windows 11 PC, open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
2. Select the work/school account and choose Disconnect.
3. Then select Connect and go through the sign-in process again to re-register the device.
4. Reset the Windows PIN when already signed in (if possible) If sign-in is still possible using another method (password, passkey, etc.):
5. Open Settings on the Windows 11 device.
6. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options (or open the shortcut: Sign-in options).
7. Under PIN (Windows Hello), select Change PIN if the current PIN is known, or select I forgot my PIN if it is not.
8. Follow the prompts to verify the Microsoft account and set a new PIN.
9. Reset the PIN from Settings using an alternate sign-in method If the PIN is forgotten but another sign-in method works:
10. Sign in to Windows 11 using an alternate credential (for example, password or security key).
11. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
12. Select PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN.
13. Complete the verification and create a new PIN.
14. Reset the PIN from the lock screen (Windows Hello for Business / Entra-joined) If the device is Microsoft Entra joined or hybrid joined and PIN reset is enabled:

From the lock screen:

1. On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and choose the PIN icon.
2. Select I forgot my PIN.
3. For Microsoft Entra joined devices: choose an authentication method (password, security key, etc.) and follow the instructions to provision a new PIN.
4. For Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices: enter the account password when prompted, then follow the provisioning steps.
5. After completion, sign in with the new PIN.

Note: For some hybrid scenarios, destructive PIN reset from above the lock screen requires connectivity to domain controllers and, if AD FS is used, to federation services.

5. If PIN reset fails and no sign-in method works If none of the above methods allow sign-in (for example, repeated “Something went wrong” errors and no working password), the last-resort option reported in similar cases is a full reinstall of Windows on the device, which removes data and apps. This should only be used if data is backed up or can be replaced.

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References:

• Microsoft 365 Apps activation error: “Your organization has disabled this device”
• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• PIN reset
• Stuck in an infinite loop involving the PIN - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to log in to Dell Rugged Laptop - Microsoft Q&A