Unable to change PIN no on windows 10

mackashow 1 0 Reputation points
2026-09-27T20:00:26.21+00:00

Whilst logged into windows I changed my PIN number. On starting up again message on screen shows

"Something happened and your PIN isn't available. Click to set up your PIN again. Doesn't work. What do I do now?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 88,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-29T19:41:17.6466667+00:00

    It is his Gmail account that is shown under his name. He has a PIN number only to sign in. I got in through family settings but was again faced with imputing my password. I put in my original password but was informed that it was old and to put in a new one. Changed it but it went to husbands account.Logged in again on family site and filled in a form to recover my Microsoft account with Skype details and have to wait 24 hours. Not very hopeful.

    Thank you for trying those steps and letting me know.

    So far, resetting the PIN and trying your password have not restored access. Your husband can still sign in to Windows, so the remaining issue is accessing your account.

    Since you have now submitted the Microsoft account recovery form, please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Check the Inbox and Spam/Junk folder of the contact email you provided.

    Just to confirm, did you enter your own Gmail address as the account you want to recover? Your husband’s email can be used separately as the contact address for receiving the result.

    Please let me know when you receive the response.

    Thanks!

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  2. mackashow 1 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-29T18:10:08.4266667+00:00

    Im willing to try other means but it doesn't look hopeful. If you are ok with that maybe have another go at it

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  3. mackashow 1 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-29T17:46:10.8866667+00:00

    As I can't see getting through Microsoft barriers I'm giving up.Thanks for all your suggestions which I carried out but to no avail. Cheers.

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  4. John Jefferson Doyon 88,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-27T20:53:32.0666667+00:00

    Hi, @mackashow 1

    To fix it, either wait at least 2 hours with the PC powered on, or select "I forgot my PIN" to reset it using your Microsoft account credentials.

    On the sign-in screen, look for "Sign-in options".

    Click it and see if Password is available. Try signing in with your Microsoft account password.

    If there is no password option and it keeps forcing PIN, you need to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Follow these steps by turning your device off and on repeatedly:

    1. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to power off your device.
    2. Press the power button to turn on your device. As soon as you see the initial indication of Windows starting (such as the manufacturer's logo appearing during a restart), hold down the power button for 10 seconds to power off your device.
    3. Repeat this process twice.
    4. On the third start, Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment.
    5. Select "Advanced options."
    6. On the "Choose an option" screen, choose "Troubleshoot" and select "Advanced options".
    7. Select "Startup Repair" and then "Restart".

    If Windows didn't start normally, try System Restore. Boot into the winRE again using steps 1 to 6. Once you're in "Advance option", select "System restore" and then check to see if you have a restore point you can go back to.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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