Windows 10: Can't set up pin - tells me I already have one.

When I open up my settings and check my sign in options, there is the option to "Set up" a pin. Once I open it, it shows me a screen titled "Create a pin" , which implies that I have not yet set one up!! But when I try to set it up, it immediately asks me to verify my identity, and then proceeds to ask me for a pin!! How do I provide a pin if it doesn't allow me to set it up without a pin first? I don't know what that pin is or how to find it or reset it, because the "I forgot my pin" button simply tells me to go into my sign in options again and it's an endless loop! Please help me.

:)

 

set a pin on startup

Hello happyfran,

I'd like to get more information. To get started, can you please tell us more about your concern.

If you want to use Pin as a password to log in to Windows 10, you may follow these steps:

• Open Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Open Sign-in options.
• Under PIN, click Add.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Should you need further assistance, feel free to get back to us.

 

Cannot set up PIN after Creators Update

In this case, we recommend to repair and set up a new PIN by doing the following steps:

• Open File Explorer and browser to this location:
  

C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC

• Delete everything within that folder. You must be logged in as the Administrator to do this.
• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options.
• Click Add a PIN again and set your PIN.
• PIN sign in should work moving forward.

Let us know if the steps above works.

 

Pinning "Settings" to the Taskbar

I've tried both suggestions. But thanks to your(?) earlier post, I do have an icon pinned to the taskbar for settings.

Both were my posts In fact, at first I forgot to post the usual steps to pin Settings to taskbar, and rather complicated (which I thought) by suggesting you create a shortcut. Hence the 2nd post. Anyway, glad the shortcut method helped.