Windows 10: Argh! What's my password? I use a PIN on Win11.

About a year ago, I started using a PIN to log into Win11.Every once in a while, I run into an instance where Windows asks me for my "password":Trying to run an app as Admin from the Terminal/CLI.Trying to access my home network from another computer.Trying to use my PIN never works in these situations. I've tried every password I can remember using, but nothing works. Did Windows "forget" my old password after switching to a PIN? Is there anyway to fix this or figure out what Windows "thinks" my password is?TIA

:)

 

Microsoft Account PIN and password

We appreciate the screenshot that you provided. to start troubleshooting the issue with you logins, we suggest that you follow the steps below on how login pin goes back to password:

• Click Start menu and go to Settings.
• In Settings, click the Accounts icon.
• Click on Sign-in options.
• Change both your password and pin one by one.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Have PIN for Windows 10 but need Windows password

Hi,

To set up a PIN on your Windows account, we suggest that you follow the steps below:

• Type the word pin in the search box and select
  Set up PIN sign-in.
  
• 
  Under the PIN section, click the
  Add button.
  
• 
  Enter the password for your user account, then click the
  OK button.
  
• 
  Follow the instructions on the screen.
  

Let us know how it goes.

 

Windows 10 Change password to pin

Hi Ana,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. I regret the inconvenience caused to you. Let me help you.



Please share the details.

• 
  Are you able to log in to your desktop?
  
• 
  Do you see any error code along with the error message?
  

I suggest you to go through the below steps and check if it helps.

Follow these steps to set up a PIN on your Windows User Account:

• 
  Press the Windows +S key combination to display the Search box.
  
• 
  Type the word pin into the Search box, then click
  Set up PIN sign-in.
  
• 
  Find the “PIN” section and click the Add button.
  
• 
  Type in the password for your User Account, then click the
  Ok button.
  
• 
  Select and enter a 4 digit numeric pin, then enter it again for confirmation.
  
• 
  Exit the PIN setup utility.
  

From now on you’ll be able to log in to your Windows account by entering your 4 digit PIN instead of your password.



You can change your PIN at any time by following the steps below:

• 
  Press the Windows +S key combination to display the Search box.
  
• 
  Type the word pin into the Search box, then click Set up PIN sign-in.
  
• 
  Find the “PIN” section and click the Change button.
  
• 
  Enter your Windows password, then click the
  Ok button.
  
• 
  Select and enter a new 4 digit numeric pin, then enter it again for confirmation.
  
• 
  Click the Finish button.
  
• 
  Exit the PIN setup utility.
  

Check if it helps.



I hope the information helps. Please keep us posted on the issue. We will be happy to assist you accordingly.

Thank you.