As computer users, we understand the importance of security in protecting our devices from unwanted/unauthorized access and keeping our work secluded and safe. Hence, we accept that most of what we do on our computer system (including work and personal) today demands us to sign in and provide a strong password that is difficult to crack. Windows 11 or Windows 10 offers us multiple ways to sign in to our device that we can use to keep our systems protected; these include, local password, PIN, Windows Hello, Picture Password, and Dynamic lock.
A good password or a PIN is often difficult to crack, but sometimes it can be tough to remember. Now precisely for PIN passwords in Windows 11/10, what happens if you forget your PIN? The only way to regain access to your system is by setting a new one as you won’t be able to retrieve your old PIN.
How to reset or change Windows Login PIN
This guide will show you how to Reset or Change your PIN in Windows 11/10. You may need to reset or change your Windows login PIN for several reasons. The following are the two scenarios for which you would need to go for this process.
- Stuck at the Windows lock screen
- Already signed in to Windows
Let us look at these scenarios in more detail.
1] Stuck at the Windows lock screen
In case you have been locked out of your Windows PC, or you have completely forgotten your PIN, you will have to reset your PIN. Follow these steps:
1] On the Windows locked login screen, start by clicking on the option of I forgot my PIN.
2] On the new Microsoft Account window, you will need to enter the password for your Microsoft account and then input an existing account security code.
In case you do not remember your account password, you will need to click further on the ‘Forgot password’ option and verify your identity through a security code. This security code can be obtained through email or as a text message.
3] Once you know the security code, input and click ‘Verify’
4] Enter your new PIN two times.
Done! You have successfully reset your Windows login PIN; you can use this new one when logging in to your device.
2] Already signed in to Windows
Here the user has access to their Windows device but wants to change their current PIN to a new one. Follow these steps:
Windows 11
To change your PIN in Windows 11, open Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Ways to sign in > PIN (Windows Hello). Here click on the Change PIN button. Now in the box that appears, enter your old and new PIN and click on OK.
Windows 10
1] Go to the ‘Start Menu’ and click on the little gear icon appearing at the left bottom.
2] Now in the Windows ‘Settings’ page, go to ‘Accounts’.
3] Here, click on the ‘Sign-in options’ from the left-hand panel options
4] Now, click on ‘Windows Hello PIN’ and hit ‘I forgot my PIN’.
5] On the prompt window, click ‘Continue’ to confirm resetting your PIN.
6] Enter your Microsoft password and then enter your new PIN two times.
Done! This will complete your PIN change request on Windows 10.
Please note – If you do not remember your Microsoft Password, click on the ‘Forgot Password’ option and verify your identity through your security code (the security code can be obtained through email or as text).
Final Words
Using a PIN to sign in to your Windows system is a convenient option, as it does not require entering complex passwords that are often difficult to remember. If you’ve forgotten your Windows PIN, you can easily reset or change your Windows PIN with this guide. Do let us know if it helped in the comments section below.
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