This post shows students and new users the steps to reset a PIN in Windows 11. Windows 11 comes with a Windows Hello feature that provides a more personal and secure way to log into Windows.
With Windows Hello, one can use a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint to log into their devices. When you set up facial recognition or fingerprint to log into Windows, you will also need to set up a PIN. A PIN can also be used independently to log into Windows 11.
If you forget your Windows PIN, you can reset it from the login screen or locally with your account password, then reset it from the Windows Settings app. Regardless of the method you use to reset your PIN, it should be easy and straightforward.
Since your PIN is also linked to your Microsoft account, you must know the sign-in credential for your Microsoft account. You may need a local password account if you cannot validate your Microsoft account.
If you forgot your Windows PIN and want to reset it, the steps below show you how.
How to rest a forgotten PIN in Windows 11
Resetting the Windows PIN depends on having a valid local password account or an online Microsoft account. If you cannot validate that account, you may not be able to reset your account PIN.
If you can sign in with your local password or Microsoft account, sign in and go to the Widows Settings app to reset your PIN.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for most of its settings. From system settings to creating new users and updating Windows, everything can be done from your System settings crystal.
To access the System Settings, you can use the Windows key + i shortcut or click Start ==> Settings as shown in the following picture:
Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and find Settings. Then select to open it.
The Windows settings panel should look similar to the image below. In Windows settings, click Accounts, then select the Login options tile on the right panel of the screen shown in the image below.
In the login options settings panel, under Ways to log in, click on the PIN (Windows Hello) tile to expand it.
Then click on the I forgot my PIN link to reset your PIN.
Click on the Continue to confirm that you want to reset your PIN.
Once you click on the forgotten PIN link, you will have two options to validate your account. You can use a local password account to confirm,
or a Microsoft account.
Once you validate your account, you can reset your Windows PIN.
You should do that!
You can close the Windows Settings application.
Conclusion:
In this tutorial we have seen how to reset a PIN in Windows 11. If you find any errors above or have something to add, use the comment form below.
