How to Reset the PIN for your Account in Windows 10
Windows Hello in Windows 10 enables users to sign in to their device using a PIN (Personal Identification Number). You can use this PIN to sign in to Windows, apps, and services.
One important difference between a password and a Hello PIN is that the PIN is tied to the specific device on which it was set up. That PIN is useless to anyone without that specific hardware. Someone who steals your password can sign in to your account from anywhere, but if they steal your PIN, they'd have to steal your physical device too!
Even you can't use that PIN anywhere except on that specific device. If you want to sign in on multiple devices, you have to set up Hello on each device.
For more information about PIN, see:
- Why a PIN is better than a password (Windows 10) | Microsoft Docs
- Reset your PIN when you’re already signed in to your device | Microsoft Support
- Reset your PIN when you’re signed out on Windows 10 | Microsoft Support
When you sign in to Windows 10 with PIN, you only need to type your PIN number without pressing Enter.
If you forgot your PIN, you can reset it.
This tutorial will show you how to reset the PIN for your account in Windows 10.
If you use your Microsoft account PIN to access games, social networking, or financial institutions, you'll need to log in from scratch in each of those places after your reset your PIN.
If you are unable to sign in to Windows 10 with your PIN, you can click/tap on the Sign-in options link, and select to sign in with your password instead.
Contents
- Option One: To Reset PIN of your Local Account or Microsoft Account in Settings
- Option Two: To Reset PIN of your Microsoft Account at Sign-in
EXAMPLE: Sign-in to Windows 10 with PIN
1 Open the Settings app, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.
2 Click/tap on Sign-in options on the left side, click/tap on Windows Hello PIN on the right side, and click/tap on the I forgot my PIN link. (see screenshot below)
3 If your PIN is for a Microsoft account, then click/tap on Continue to confirm. (see screenshot below)
4 Enter the password for your local account or Microsoft account, and click/tap on OK or Sign in. (see screenshots below)
5 Enter at least a minimum 4 digit new PIN number you want for your account, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshots below)
If you like, you can check the Include letters and symbols box to see PIN requirements.
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6 When finished, you can close Settings if you like.
You must be connected to the Internet to be able to do this option.
Starting with Windows 10 build 18309, the streamlined Windows Hello PIN reset experience is now available on all Windows 10 editions.
1 Click/tap on the I forgot my PIN link for your Microsoft account while on the sign-in screen. (see screenshot below)
2 You will now see the screen below for Just a moment.
3 Enter the password for your Microsoft account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)
4 If you have two-step verification turned on for your Microsoft account, you will need to select how you would like to get a security code. Enter the required information, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)
A) Enter the code you received from Microsoft, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)
5 You will now see the screen below for Just a moment.
6 Click/tap on Continue to confirm. (see screenshot below)
7 Enter at least a minimum 4 digit new PIN number you want for your Microsoft account, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
8 You can now sign in to Windows 10 with your Microsoft account using the new PIN. (see screenshot below)
That's it,
Shawn
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