Windows 10: Why is Windows requiring a PIN reset after reboot?

I rebooted my machine on 5/25 and am now being told I need to reset my PIN due to a change in security settings on the device. If I click ‘Set up my PIN’, I receive popup to “Send code” to my Outlook.com mail account. When I click ‘Send code, no email is received at any of my email accounts or to my mobile device.I have looked at all of the troubleshooting options and even reinstalled Windows on my PC but still cannot reset my PIN and login to my machine.

:)

 

Security changes requires set up of new PIN in Windows 11.

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

It's great to hear that you have managed to get your system back up and running, albeit with the hassle of reinstalling everything. Using a highly rated backup program is a wise choice to prevent similar issues in the future.

For future reference, and to help others who might face similar issues, here are some general steps and solutions for dealing with PIN reset issues after hardware changes in Windows 11:

Summary of Steps to Address PIN Reset Issues:

1. Use a Local Account to Bypass the PIN Reset:
   
   • Boot into Safe Mode.
     
   • Log in with a local account.
     
   • Remove or reset the PIN from Settings.
     
2. Enable the Hidden Administrator Account via Command Prompt:
   
   • Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
     
   • Activate the built-in Administrator account.
     
   • Log in as the Administrator and manage the PIN settings.
     
3. Use Another User Profile (if available):
   
   • Log in with another user account.
     
   • Manage the PIN settings from that account.
     
4. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
   
   • Access WinRE and perform a startup repair.
     
5. Use a Password Reset Disk (if previously created):
   
   • Insert the password reset disk and follow the instructions to reset the password.
     

Detailed Steps:

Here is a more detailed explanation of these steps:

Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode and Use Local Account

1. Boot into Safe Mode:
   
   • Restart your computer.
     
   • When the computer restarts, press and hold the Shift key and select Restart.
     
   • Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
     
   • Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
     
2. Log in with Local Account:
   
   • If you have a local account, log in using that account. This might bypass the PIN reset requirement.
     
3. Remove the PIN:
   
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
     
   • Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove.
     
4. Restart Normally:
   
   • Restart your computer normally and see if you can log in without being prompted to reset the PIN.
     

Method 2: Enable the Hidden Administrator Account

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
   
   • Follow the steps to enter Advanced Boot Options as described above.
     
   • Press F6 to boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
     
2. Activate the Built-in Administrator Account:
   
   • In the Command Prompt, type:
     
     
   • Restart your computer.
     
3. Log in as Administrator:
   
   • Log in using the newly activated Administrator account.
     
4. Reset the PIN:
   
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
     
   • Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove or add a new PIN.
     
5. Deactivate the Administrator Account:
   
   • After resolving the issue, disable the Administrator account for security reasons:
     
     

Method 3: Use Another User Profile

• Log in with another user account if available.
  
• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and manage the PIN settings.
  

Method 4: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

• Reboot your computer.
  
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  
• Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows attempt to repair startup issues.
  

Method 5: Use a Password Reset Disk

• Insert the password reset disk.
  
• On the login screen, click Reset password and follow the instructions.
  

If these methods do not resolve the issue, it may sometimes be necessary to use a fresh installation of Windows, as you have done. It's always a good idea to keep regular backups to avoid such scenarios in the future.

 

Forgotten PIN and expired password

Hi Dyari,

Thanks for your answer.

I tried steps of both links:

• #1: reset PIN code
  
  • I see no link "reset your PIN"on login page --> I can't reset it
    
• #2: change or reset windows password
  
  • My Windows account is not displayed at all on login page.
    
  • I am using a local account
    

If you have any other suggestion, I would be more than happy to try.

Regards,

Guillaume

 

PIN is now being required to logon

Hi Kevin,

If you're having trouble using your PIN to sign into Windows, you can try resetting your PIN. Kindly check this
link regarding PIN sign-in issues.

If that doesn't work. We suggest resetting your PC.

Warning: Following these steps will remove all of your data, programs, and settings

• 
  Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
  
• 
  While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
  
• 
  On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
  
• 
  Your PC will restart and will reset itself.
  

Let us know if you have any other questions.