Microsoft Hello Pin

Question

I have been trying to log into my account on a new computer (the old one i had broke down and isn't able to be powered on) and I have been asked to input a pin i never once made. And now I am barred from logging into my account on this new computer, as well as unable to find anywhere on mobile device to activate a new pin, or reset my old one. What am I even supposed to do in this situation?

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Have you already set up your PC with a local account, or are you setting up your device for the first time?

The Windows Hello PIN security feature is specific to each device. So, it is possible that you may have created this PIN during the initial Windows setup.

--*

Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign in Options > Windows Hello PIN > Click Reset.

Follow the instructions to reset your PIN and then add your Microsoft account to the device.

If you continue to experience issues, please share a screenshot of the page where you are currently stuck.

---

Answer 2

On the new Windows 10 PC, the PIN being requested is a Windows Hello PIN for that device, not a PIN stored on the account. It can be reset or bypassed from the Windows sign-in screen.

Use these steps on the new computer:

1. At the Windows sign-in screen, under the PIN box, look for and select I forgot my PIN.
2. If prompted to choose an account, select the Microsoft account being used.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify the account (for example, via email, SMS, or Microsoft Authenticator) and then create a new PIN.
4. After verification, enter a new PIN and confirm it. This PIN will now be used on this device.

If I forgot my PIN is not shown:

1. On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
2. Choose Enter your password and sign in with the Microsoft account password instead.
3. Once signed in, open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options (or use this shortcut: Sign-in options).
4. Under PIN (Windows Hello) select Change PIN or I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts to set a new PIN.

If both the PIN and password are forgotten, reset the Microsoft account password first:

1. On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password and follow the prompts, or
2. From another device, go to Reset password and reset the Microsoft account password.
3. Return to the new PC, sign in with the new password, then set up a new PIN via Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

A Windows Hello PIN is device-specific, so the PIN from the old, broken PC does not carry over; a new PIN must be created on each new device after verifying the Microsoft account.

---

References:

• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Help for accounts in Windows
• Account help & learning