New
#1
Updated BIOS - PIN no longer available - ?TPM issue
Hi all
Unfortunately I can't provide a Windows version because I can't login to Windows and accessing cmd via troubleshoot doesn't give me an elevated command line to run systeminfo. All I can say is that it has the latest feature and quality updates, the last quality update installing in the last 7 days by Update.
Having scoured the internet, it looks like my problem has been caused by my TPM being cleared upon BIOS update as highlighted in this thread Updated BIOS - now can't log in to windows?? | Windows 11 Forum
I didn't want o re-open that thread after more than 30 days, and because I'm running W10 rather than 11.
The problem I face after the initial issue is that when I click on 'Setup new PIN' on Win login screen, no dialogue box appears to facilitate me setting up the PIN. I also have no alternative methods/options of logging in and doesn't allow me to input my password. To be clear, this is not a 'I don't know my password' situation; I know what my PIN was, what my password is, and have 2FA setup through email and authenticator; I just can't input any of the other login credentials and am in essence locked out of Windows.
Does anyone know a way to force Windows to allow me to login with my password rather than setting up a new PIN?
If there's no way to do this, regrettably, I think my only remaining option option is to 'Reset PC > Keep my files' which I am really reluctant to do. Not because i will lose any files because they're presevered on the reset and are also in iCloud and backup up to Backblaze; more because I can't face reinstalling 20+ pieces of software and programs again so soon after my last refresh. I am slowly resigning myself that this is now my only option, as much as I hate the thought of it.
For what it's worth, these are the options I have tried so far to (re)gain access:
Restarting into safe mode - with and without networking - to see if that gives me an option to login with password or allows me to setup new PIN. To no avail.
Uninstalling recent quality / feature updates. Only quality updates succeeded in uninstalling but did not allow me to set up pin or login with password.
Startup repair: no errors found to repair
System restore fails because of iCloud! Quelle surprise!
Activating local administrator account. I knew this wouldn't work because I did not set one up on install, simply logging straight in with my Microsoft account.
Does anyone have any further recommendations?
TIA