Windows 10: User has MS PIN but forgot password. Recovery not working

I am helping a neighbor. She has a pin to log into Windows. However she wants to sync her Edge browser on a new laptop. When she attempts to do this MS asks for a pin which she has but she forgotten her password. which is also required. She has gone through the recovery process numerous times. She gets to the point where she is asked to get a code using her cell phone number. When she hits "Get "Code" she continually gets the message :Try another verification methodThat verification method isn't working right now. Please try another method. This has continued over several days. She has

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forgot pin on lap top

Forgot pin on laptop. it is listed in my MS account. Ask for a challenge question on sign in, I have no idea what that is. Gives a password hint, no idea what that means. I am 85 and not understanding instructions. Is there a way to go to the device listed on MS account and reset pin number. sorry, just old and forgetful.

 

Forgot my password

If you don't already you might consider using a password manager. In addition to online usernames and passwords you could store your Windows user name, password, and PIN there. If you ever forget this information you could log into the password manager on your phone and retrieve it there.

When Windows is installed the first user is of user type Administrator. Additional users are of user type Standard unless the added user requires otherwise.

There is also a built-in user named Administrator that has a user type of Administrator. By default this user is hidden but you can un-hide it if you wish using your regular account that has user type of Administrator.

Code:

On my desktop I log in using my password. On my laptop I normally log in using my fingerprint. The fallback is my PIN and then my password.

The accounts on my laptop including the hidden Administrator account.

 

How to SWITCH login method from PIN to password

If you get to step #5 and find that there is no option to remove the pin, this worked for me:

• Click "I forgot my PIN"
• Enter your account password where prompted
• When prompted to create a new PIN, click "Cancel"

This removed the existing PIN and went back to using the account password to log in and unlock the lock screen.