If you find that your PIN does not work & will not let you sign in to Windows 11/10, then see this post. It will also help you if you cannot change the PIN. It is quite possible that your PIN file may have got corrupted or that the PIN may not have been preserved after an upgrade.
Cannot change PIN or PIN does not work in Windows 11/10
To rectify this situation, create a system restore point first and then log into your Windows computer using an alternative sign-in option, and then do the following:
Create a system restore point. Then open File Explorer and browse to the following location –
C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
Click on Ngc folder to open it. You will be denied permission to access this folder. Click on the ‘security tab‘ link to open the Properties box of this folder. You will now have to take Full Ownership of this Folder.
Read: What are Effective Permissions for Files and Folders in Windows.
Ultimate Windows Tweaker will let you add the Take Ownership of Files and Folders easily to the Windows context menu. You will find it under the Context Menu section > Desktop Context Menu 2 tab.
Once you are given access to the folder and open it, press Ctrl+A to select everything, and then delete its contents.
This will repair your PIN, by resetting things to default.
Now open the Windows Settings app > Accounts settings > Sign-in Options.
Under PIN, click on Add a PIN. Enter your new PIN and click OK.
Finally, restart your computer and see. You will be able to sign-in with your new PIN.
You can use this procedure when you encounter any problems with your PIN—even when you cannot change it or if it does not show up as a sign-in option on your login screen.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Related read: PIN and Picture Password logon not offered.
What to do if your computer won’t let you put in your PIN?
If your computer won’t let you put in your PIN in Windows 11/10, try these suggestions: , here are some steps you can try:
- Use the I Forgot My PIN option
- Sign in with your Microsoft Account Password
- Use Command Prompt in Advanced Startup Options. Restart your computer while holding the Shift key and click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. Open the Registry Editor and go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Devic`. Double-click on DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and change its value from from 2 to 0. Restart your computer and see.
How do I login if my PIN is not working?
PIN is one way to sign in to your account, and if it doesn’t work, you can switch to the standard method of password. Both local and Microsoft accounts offer the option of signing in using a password. We also recommend adding additional methods to unlock your accounts, such as a fingerprint sensor or Bluetooth, so you don’t get blocked out of your account.
Related read: Unable to add or use PIN sign-in option in Windows.
How do I remove a PIN from Windows?
If the PIN method doesn’t work well for you, you can permanently remove it as one of the sign-in methods from your accounts section. Go to Settings > Accounts> Asignin. Locate PIN, and click to remove it. Make sure to confirm the action.
What I absolutely HATE are those “you have been denied permission…” messages. The novice will be stumped; the experienced user will be needlessly irritated. It’s time for Microsoft to stop being a nanny and let people (especially the single users of home computers) have control over their machines. The constant reminders, alerts, warnings, all those are simply annoyances one could do without.
Even my password doesn’t work… Any idea what to do?
after deleting the contents i cannot open sign in options in settings …can you help?
When you take the ownership of the Ngc folder, the login screen will not load anymore (endless spinning dots). Maybe the behavior changed in more recent builds. I ended up with deleting the Ngc folder completely in safe mode. Afterwards the System booted normally and i was also able to set a new PIN. The folder was automatically recreated with the correct permission and ownership settings.
what if there is no ngc folder when you get there?
Even after granting myself permissions it says I require permission from an administrator, to delete the file, yet doesn’t give me the option as an administrator to give myself permission…
how can you delete the Ngc folder completely in safe mode? Can you explain?
R/p Sir…
i just deleted all the things from this folder now.. when am click on add button to set up a new pin its do nothing…now suggest me what i can do that……
The question remains unanswered, because I cannot get into windows 10 in the first place in order to apply any/all the suggested fixes!.
I have mentioned … “To rectify this situation, create a system restore point first and then log into your Windows 10 computer using an alternative sign in option, and then do the following”.
Thank you.