Windows 10: Security pin and security settings

I am trying to get my thing security pin reactivated because I changed desktops computers where my disk is and I need to access my things but it tells me that " your PIN is no longer available due to change to the security settings on this device. Click to set up pin again." But as soon as I would click nothing would happen and it's been on a loop of sorts like that where nothing really happens. So any solutions and thoughts anyone?

:)

 

Corporate Security Solution

That made me so facepalm. Some people have absolutely no clue. I hope they don't take you for granted with all this you're doing for them.

SonicWall is a good security product, so Mindweaver's suggestion sounds like a good one and should make for a rather bigger baby step. Let's hope they take it.

 

Internet Security Settings set

Getting there

I tried to download the programs you suggested, but could not run them. I did download Microsoft Security Essentials, and it is steadily removing stuff. It doesn't always tell me what it is removing, or I don't look to see what its removing, yet things are slowly getting back to normal. I will write back when all of this mess is fixed. I am amazed Eset did not do the job and Security Essentials is. Well its tell me I have to restart the PC again it found something else. Thanks a mill,
Richard

 

Security changes requires set up of new PIN in Windows 11.

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

It's great to hear that you have managed to get your system back up and running, albeit with the hassle of reinstalling everything. Using a highly rated backup program is a wise choice to prevent similar issues in the future.

For future reference, and to help others who might face similar issues, here are some general steps and solutions for dealing with PIN reset issues after hardware changes in Windows 11:

Summary of Steps to Address PIN Reset Issues:

1. Use a Local Account to Bypass the PIN Reset:
   
   • Boot into Safe Mode.
     
   • Log in with a local account.
     
   • Remove or reset the PIN from Settings.
     
2. Enable the Hidden Administrator Account via Command Prompt:
   
   • Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
     
   • Activate the built-in Administrator account.
     
   • Log in as the Administrator and manage the PIN settings.
     
3. Use Another User Profile (if available):
   
   • Log in with another user account.
     
   • Manage the PIN settings from that account.
     
4. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
   
   • Access WinRE and perform a startup repair.
     
5. Use a Password Reset Disk (if previously created):
   
   • Insert the password reset disk and follow the instructions to reset the password.
     

Detailed Steps:

Here is a more detailed explanation of these steps:

Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode and Use Local Account

1. Boot into Safe Mode:
   
   • Restart your computer.
     
   • When the computer restarts, press and hold the Shift key and select Restart.
     
   • Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
     
   • Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
     
2. Log in with Local Account:
   
   • If you have a local account, log in using that account. This might bypass the PIN reset requirement.
     
3. Remove the PIN:
   
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
     
   • Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove.
     
4. Restart Normally:
   
   • Restart your computer normally and see if you can log in without being prompted to reset the PIN.
     

Method 2: Enable the Hidden Administrator Account

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
   
   • Follow the steps to enter Advanced Boot Options as described above.
     
   • Press F6 to boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
     
2. Activate the Built-in Administrator Account:
   
   • In the Command Prompt, type:
     
     
   • Restart your computer.
     
3. Log in as Administrator:
   
   • Log in using the newly activated Administrator account.
     
4. Reset the PIN:
   
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
     
   • Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove or add a new PIN.
     
5. Deactivate the Administrator Account:
   
   • After resolving the issue, disable the Administrator account for security reasons:
     
     

Method 3: Use Another User Profile

• Log in with another user account if available.
  
• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and manage the PIN settings.
  

Method 4: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

• Reboot your computer.
  
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  
• Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows attempt to repair startup issues.
  

Method 5: Use a Password Reset Disk

• Insert the password reset disk.
  
• On the login screen, click Reset password and follow the instructions.
  

If these methods do not resolve the issue, it may sometimes be necessary to use a fresh installation of Windows, as you have done. It's always a good idea to keep regular backups to avoid such scenarios in the future.