Windows 10: Windows Hello pin sign in not functional, locked out

I was troubleshooting a problem with an app that wouldn't launch for me. Part of the instructions on troubleshooting it asked me to use msconfig to boot into limited startup. After doing this the login screen reads 'Something happened and your PIN isn't available. Click to set up your PIN again.' When I originally clicked it a dialog box opened asking me to search for an app, the one you get when windows is trying to open a file it doesn't recognize. I restarted into safe mode hoping to be able to reach an actual password screen, nope. Same broken windows hello pin login. Now I no longer get t

:)

 

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.

 

Remove sign in pin

Hi Joel,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to remove the sign in pin/password options.

• In the search box type sign-in-option.
• Click on the sign-in-option.
• Then you can find password/pin/picture password.
• There you can remove the option and check.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

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.