PIN's -- not so fast

markg2 · 08 Aug 2019

Typing a PIN is admittedly quicker and easier than a cumbersome password.

I ran into a situation yesterday that gave me pause.

After the latest update Network Connections were reset to require a password (home) when I attempted to open another machine from mine. The problem being...Windows wanted the password and not the PIN.

Well, after all this time of using either a PIN or fingerprint, I could not get the password correct. I thought I'd used my OneDrive/Live password but that failed along with the only credentials I had saved to my contacts.

Two questions:
1. If PIN's are to be used synonymously with/in the place of passwords, then why not consistently throughout?

2. Is there a way to reset the password without knowing the current password?

Mark

Try3 · 08 Aug 2019

Your question 1 - There is no answer to this.

Your question 2 - To change the password of a local account in your circumstances, see Option 5 of Change Account Password - TenForumsTutorials - assuming that you are referring to a local account. MSAccounts are dealt with in the other options and in Reset MSAccount password

Denis

Berton · 08 Aug 2019

;1689080 said:

The problem being...Windows wanted the password and not the PIN.

It's possible that the remote access has not yet reached the point where the PIN is stored, probably hasn't read the full Registry.

Porthos · 08 Aug 2019

When using a MS account, The PIN is there in to make logging in to the computer simpler. It will only log you into the computer. I will not work for advanced account settings.

Well, after all this time of using either a PIN or fingerprint, I could not get the password correct.

You need to put that password somewhere after you change it or remember it because this will not be the last time you are asked for it in the future.
This also happens when users have email clients like Outlook or Thunderbird. You do not have to key it again after setup so it is forgotten. Same with browser saved logins.

bro67 · 09 Aug 2019

Network logins will always require a password or secure key device.

markg2 · 17 Aug 2019

Update:

I had mis-typed the password. Using the correct pw, I accessed the other machine. However, when I tried to open a folder the OS said something about permissions and contact the administrator. Either a link within that box or a separate prompt after closing the box provided the OS assist. Clicking the OS link opened settings which was aware of the fact I was having a connection problem and prompted to fix. I clicked fix and wouldn't you know, the OS wanted to know my PIN. After providing the PIN I was able to open all folders except one that I needed to share on the remote machine.

bro67 · 17 Aug 2019

Yes, you have to inherit Security Permissions before you can access.

markg2 · 18 Aug 2019

Is it normal with MS updates to more than periodically screw-up network connections?

It's become more usual than unusual that after updating these two Win10 machines (my everyday laptop vs. my older, backup laptop) that their connection is broken and I'm left spending time figuring out the cause.