Microsoft Account reset password logjam

Hi all,

Trying to help a friend with her Lenovo Ideapad320 laptop running v slow. Windows 10 home

What I did was ran ccleaner with all selected.

Then reflashed BIOS to Ver 5QCN24WW as suggested on lenovo support.

Now it boots up ok but I get a message Your PIN is no longer available due to a change to the security settings on this device. Click to set up your PIN again.

When I do that I am prompted to enter her Microsoft account details. She has her username, but no record of the password.

Two factor authentication has been set previously

So I enter her Microsoft account username and ask for password reset. I ask for access code to her gmail account, then mobile number,which worked, only to be told you have requested too many codes today. Please try again tomorrow.

So wait 1 day and tried again only to be told the same thing. I am completely stuck.

Can anyone please help?

TairikuOkami said:

If she has a smartphone, setup the Microsoft Authenticator app. I have the same problem, Windows refuses to accept my password, but when using the app, you will merely confirm that it is you and that is all.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azu...setup-auth-app

Thanks Tairiku,

Will try that when I can get access to her smartphone

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dalchina said:

Hi, option 4 might let you do this using email.. whether that helps I have no idea...
Reset Password of User Account in Windows 10

It is indeed a weakness that people are left to think a PIN somehow substitutes for the password, when in certain situatioins a password is still needed even when a PIN is in use.

Well, Its asking for the PIN with no option apparent to use the password (Which I dont know anyway) Is there a way to dodge round the PIN?

dalchina said:

Thankk you for your reply.

After waiting over the weekend, I was able to reset the Microsoft password, and then the Windows PIN
So all fixed now

Regards
Keith