Log in pin not working

Question

When switching on the computer it shows the usual message “Enter your pin”

somehow I got it wrong so it asks for “Challenge phrase” and I don’t remember what it is

Help please

Answer 1

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

Is it asking for the A1B2C3 challenge phrase on the screen?

If yes, just type A1B2C3 on your keyboard. Once typed in, you should be able to see the PIN sign-in option again.

If you forgot your PIN, just press 'I forgot my PIN' option on the screen and follow the prompts to reset it.

If you still need help, let me know.

Answer 2

Use the account password or reset the PIN; the challenge phrase itself cannot be recovered if forgotten.

Try these steps in order:

1. On the sign-in screen, switch from PIN to password
   • At the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
   • Choose the password option.
   • Enter the password for the account to sign in.
2. Once signed in, reset the PIN
   • Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Under PIN (Windows Hello), select I forgot my PIN or remove the PIN and set it up again.
   • Follow the prompts to verify the Microsoft account (or local account) and create a new PIN.
3. If the PIN or password still cannot be used
   • From the sign-in screen, use the I forgot my PIN link to reset the PIN directly.
   • If the password is also not working, use the I forgot my password link on the sign-in screen to reset the account password.
4. If sign-in is still not possible
   • Follow the guidance in the Windows sign-in troubleshooting article to recover access using the appropriate self-help path (forgot PIN, forgot password, or Microsoft account recovery).

Once access is restored and a new PIN is set, the previous challenge phrase is no longer needed.

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References:

• User Account Access in Windows
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips
• Help for accounts in Windows