Windows 10: Pin only works in safe mode, can't change password

I have used the pin to access my computer for so long I don't have access to the password that was only entered to set it up.I managed to be able to use my pin in Safe Mode to log in. When I do none of the sign in options that allow me to change the password show up in the window. I just see blue dots across the screen.I don't want to loose what I have on the computer. Surely there is a way to recover the ability to use my pin or change my password from Safe Mode to save what I have.I have tried Safe Mode with Networking, but it doesn't seem to give Internet access or show any networks availab

:)

 

Re-starting in Safe Mode-Won't take Password

Hi fleet420 and welcome to Tenforums.
It's true - Safe Mode will only accept a password, not a PIN. When you first setup your user account, you used a password; then changed it to a PIN. That's where the "clue" comes from.

You have several options here from the members. I would first try logging into your MS account online from another device, and see if you can get in (if you remember your password), otherwise, try changing it and using that to login to your system in Safe Mode, as mrgeek suggested. Failing that, the other two suggestions will also work. Good luck.

 

PIN not working in Safe mode

Hello,

Windows 10 may have encountered a corruption that caused your machine not to recognize your pin. For us to better assist you, kindly answer the following questions:

• Have you made any recent changes to your computer prior to this issue?
• Is this also happening even if you're not on Safe mode?
• Are you getting an error message whenever you enter your pin?

Meanwhile, if you're able to log into your computer if you're not in Safe mode, we recommend that you visit this

link. From there, you'll see a thread with a similar issue, kindly see the reply of
Kapil Arya MVP and follow the steps on his reply.

We'll be waiting for your response.

 

Password not accepted in Safe mode

Hi Pedro E Cordeiro,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Could you please help me with the below questions:

• Are you aware of any changes happened on the computer prior to internet issue started?
  
• Are you referring to PIN password or Microsoft account password?
  

I understand the inconvenience caused due to this issue, this could be due to a change in the keyboard layout. However, I suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:

Method 1: Change the keyboard layout.

1. In the bottom right corner of the sign in screen, select the first option to change the keyboard layout.
2. Try to change the keyboard layout from the list if you have any and type in the password.
   

Method 2: Use the On screen keyboard.

1. Restart the computer. In the sign in screen, hold down the shift key and select restart from bottom right corner of your screen.
   
2. After the pc is restarted, select Troubleshoot > Select
   Advanced options >Click on Startup settings >
   Now, click on Restart.
3. After your PC restarts, you should see number of options. Press F5 for
   Safe Mode with networking.
4. When you are in login screen, press Windows
   and U together on the keyboard
   and select the On-Screen Keyboard from the
   Ease of Access list or click on
   Ease of Access at bottom right and select
   On-Screen Keyboard from the list.
5. Now, use the cursor to type the password with On-screen keyboard.
   
6. Before clicking the login, press the eye symbol
   (I.e. Reveal Password) option in the password field, to see the password is correct.

After you login to safe mode with networking, I would suggest you to follow the steps provided in the Microsoft article on
Fix network connection issues in Windows.
Let us know the results to assist you further regarding this issue.

Hope it helps.

Roohi Taj S

Microsoft Community - Moderator