Windows 10: This week's updates changed my PIN to my Windows password

This is my personal one-user PC. Upon booting, I usually enter a 4 digit PIN. This week's updates changed my PIN to my Windows password, the same one I use for live.com. I want to change it back, but am wary, as I've been confused with Windows passwords before.

I just want someone here to confirm that if I use the PIN change shown in the picture, I am only affecting my device-specific PIN, and not anything else.

Also, why would the update have changed my PIN anyway?
Thanks,
Rusty






:)

 

Windows 10 Anniversary Update

I updated my Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update. After the update was downloaded, my login screen appeared. I entered my pin # as I did many times to the original Windows 10 and it kept telling me this was not a valid number. Then I choose other
options and entered my Microsoft password ( I had changed the password about a week or so ago) and it to gave me the same response that it was not a valid password. Then I entered my old Microsoft Password and it worked. How can I reinstate my pin # and
newer password? Thank you

 

Why Can't I login with my pin

My problem is, i can't sign in with my pin. I'm using pin for my login and not my microsoft password for any situation. i’ve got an update last week since now i can’t login with my pin, if i try so,
it is showing me that your device is offline and sign in with the last password used. i’ve tried everything changing my pin, removing and adding it again, and so many. but, still its showing the same. But, i can login into my lap with my microsoft password
without any issue. Kindly suggest me a solution for this as i feel using pin for my sign in is very easy comparing with microsoft password.

 

First, are you sure your PIN sign-in was disabled? Sometimes, especially after an upgrade Windows just resets the default sign-in method, switching back to Password sign in instead of PIN sign-in.

In this case although Windows is asking for your password, it also shows a link for Sign-in options:




Clicking that link you can switch back to PIN sign-in:




Anyway, that being said, a PIN is only for that machine and has nothing to do with your Microsoft account nor does it change anything in your Microsoft account. Just enter your old PIN, set new one and you are done.

Totally safe!

 

Hey Kari; I don't have any of those options on the sign in/log in screen.

 

If you have both password and a PIN set correctly, your login screen always shows the Sign-in options link (first screenshot in my previous post).

Clicking that link let's you then choose either Password sign-in or PIN sign in (second screenshot in my previous post).

Always.

 

Ahh...I don't use both. I just use the password.

 

This is not rocket science: If you only use one sign-in method, the Password method, you naturally have no options to choose, therefore you don't have any sign-in options. Link is not shown because there's nothing to choose.

 

Damn.....slow your roll.....I didn't know. I've only ever used a password to log in. So I never knew there was this screen. Sorry I freaking asked!

 

Dang, this thread went zero to 100 in a short time Lol.

Thanks, Kari. I don't remember if showed sign-in options. It's entirely possible I missed it. I was in a hurry when it happened, and there was a red message after my first failed attempt that said to use my same password that I use for live.com. So I did and it worked. But I'd rather use the PIN since my wife knows it.
Now that you've assured me that the PIN is device-specific and not affecting my Wwindows account, I will change it back.
Thanks,
Rusty

 

Okay, I'm back after rebooting.

DUH! Yes, it does give me the choice of PIN or PW. So I didn't need to change anything.
Thanks again, Kari.

I have a Finnish acquaintance on another forum named Kari.

See y'all next time I have a problem,
Rusty

 

Look under Kari's picture on the left and you'll find this clickable item:
A Finnish ex-pat in Germany
My roots are German back to 1848, name found in church records back to 1670, still have "old world" family in Mannheim.

 

Hi, Berton, me too, but from the British isles at the time of the Mayflower expedition and others. Before that, I do not recall where, but dating back to 1060 or so on my mother's side. So I guess I'm part Pilgrim, though I don't act the part Lol.
Rusty