Windows 10: Does Windows Hello prevent PIN sign-in?

I recently bought a Surface Book laptop with Windows 10 and set it up with my Microsoft account. At first I was (successfully) able to add a 4-digit PIN and used that PIN to sign in frequently. Later, upon discovering that Windows Hello (aka facial recognition as a sign-in method) was available, I decided to enable that. However, now it seems I'm no longer able to use my PIN as an alternative to Windows Hello - the only alternative is my full password.


If I'm wearing a hat or looking the wrong way or for some other reason Windows Hello doesn't recognize me, it will say so, saying "Couldn't recognize you. Please sign in with your PIN." However as soon as I click to do so, it displays a longer error message: "Your PIN is no longer available due to a change to the security settings on this device. You can set up your PIN again by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options."


I have tried going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, but don't see anything there that would indicate my PIN isn't working. Under "PIN," the only options are "Change" and "Remove" - both indicative that I have a working PIN set up. And indeed, in other contexts I am still able to use my PIN - just not to unlock the laptop when coming out of sleep, apparently. I do see on the top of the Sign-in options page that it says in red text, "Windows Hello is preventing some options from being shown." Does this have anything to do with it? Does enabling Windows Hello effectively disable PIN sign-in? How can I get both working simultaneously?

:)

 

Login with PIN and Hello

Hi Jean,

Windows 10 includes multiple options to sign-in to your account, including the ability to sign-in using a PIN and Windows Hello, which uses facial recognition. For us to provide a solution suited to your concern, we need additional information. Can
you answer the questions below?

• How are you setting the PIN and Hello?
• Which build version of Windows is your PC running on?
• Were there any error codes or messages?

In the meantime, we suggest that you follow the steps below on how to set up PIN.

• Open Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Click Sign-in options.
• Click the Add button for the PIN and set your PIN.
• Do the same for the Windows Hello.

Looking forward to your response.

 

Windows Hello and Pin sign on

Hello Adam,

There are a number of reasons why you can’t set up Windows Hello and Pin at the same time. To isolate the issue, we would like you to answer the following questions:

• Are you trying to set up Windows Hello using a Microsoft or a Local account?
• Have you made any recent changes on your device?
• Are you getting any error messages?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

Looking forward to your response.

 

PIN Box Missing - After Update - Windows Hello

Thank you for all the information.

To assist you better with your concern, we suggest that you disable Windows Hello. This should prevent you from getting issues in logging-in to your computer.

To do it, kindly follow the steps below:

• On your Cortana, type "Settings", and then press Enter.
  
• Select Accounts.
• Choose Sign-in options.
• Disable Windows Hello.

Let us know how it goes.