Password issue

Question

The password that is used in the Windows Security app doesn't match the one I'm using in the Microsoft account
and like, the microsoft site allows the same password, but when i use it in the app to change my passwords or Pins it just doesnt let me

i use windows 11

Answer 1

In Windows 10/11, there are several different passwords/PINs involved, and they don’t always change together. The behavior described matches a mismatch between:

• The Microsoft account password (used on the web at account.microsoft.com and sometimes to sign into Windows), and
• The credentials Windows is currently using locally for sign-in, PIN, or Hello.

Use these steps to get them back in sync and change PIN/password reliably.

1. Confirm which account type is used to sign in to Windows
   • Go to Settings → Accounts.
   • Under Your info, check whether it shows a Microsoft account email or a local account.
   • If it’s a local account, changing the Microsoft account password online will not affect the Windows sign-in password.
2. If signing in with a Microsoft account password
   Make sure the Microsoft account password is correct and fully updated:
   1. On another device or browser, go to https://account.microsoft.com and sign in.
   2. If needed, change the password there following the steps in Change your Microsoft account password.
   3. On the Windows PC, use the same updated password at the sign-in screen. If it fails, use the built‑in reset flow:
      • At the sign‑in screen, select I forgot my password, or
      • Select Sign-in options → Web sign-in and follow the prompts, then choose Forgot my password.
3. Change password from within Windows (when already signed in)
   Once signed in successfully with the correct Microsoft account:
   1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options (or use the shortcut link: Sign-in options).
   2. Under Password, select Change.
   3. Enter the current password (this must match the one that works on the sign‑in screen), then set a new one.
   4. If the current password is not accepted, select Forgot my current password and follow the verification steps to reset it.
4. If signing in with a PIN (Windows Hello)
   The PIN is separate from the Microsoft account password. To fix PIN or Hello issues:
   1. Sign in using the working method (PIN or password).
   2. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
   3. Under PIN (Windows Hello), choose Change or I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts.
   4. If asked for a password during this process, it must be the same Microsoft account password that works on the sign‑in screen or on the web.
5. If Windows still rejects the correct Microsoft account password
   If the password works on the web but not on the device, use the Windows sign‑in troubleshooting entry point:
   • Follow the guidance under Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows, especially:
     • Change or reset your Windows password
     • Forgot your Microsoft account password
       These flows ensure the device and Microsoft account stay synchronized.

If the device is using a local account and a separate Microsoft account is only used for apps/Store, the local account password must be changed separately via Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Password.

---

References:

• Change or reset your password in Windows
• Change your Microsoft account password
• Help for accounts in Windows
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows