Can't sign in with previous password

Araceli Sanchez 0 Reputation points
2026-10-14T03:20:30.56+00:00

My surface go 3 is no allowing me to sig in with my previous password or pin number

Surface | Surface Go | Safety and security
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. S.Sengupta 32,911 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-14T05:05:44.1566667+00:00

    On the sign-in screen, choose Sign-in options and select the password (key) icon. If the PIN fails but the password works, you can reset the PIN afterwards under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

    Use “I forgot my password” or “I forgot my PIN”. Click it below the sign-in box. Microsoft will verify you with a code sent to your recovery email or phone, and then you can set a new one. If that fails, reset the password from another device at account.live.com/password/reset, then sign in on the Surface while it’s online.

    If none of that works, hold Shift and click Restart from the sign-in screen, then go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. This erases local files, so only do it as a last resort. If the device asks for a BitLocker recovery key, you can find it at

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-10-14T03:20:49.39+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Restart the Surface Go 3.
      • On many sign-in issues, a restart clears temporary errors.
      • If updates are pending, use Update and restart if that option appears.
    2. Check for another sign-in method on the sign-in screen.
      • Select Sign-in options.
      • Try signing in with the Microsoft account password instead of the PIN.
      • If the password was changed recently, Windows 11 may require one successful sign-in with the updated Microsoft account password before PIN or fingerprint sign-in works again.
      • Make sure the device is connected to the internet from the lock screen by selecting the Network icon.
    3. If Windows Hello or fingerprint is failing, use password or PIN instead.
      • If face or fingerprint recognition is not working, sign in with a PIN or password and then set up Windows Hello again.
      • For fingerprint on Surface Laptop Go models, make sure the finger is clean and dry and use the same finger that was originally enrolled.
    4. If the password works but the PIN does not, reset the PIN after signing in.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
      • Select PIN (Windows Hello), then select I forgot my PIN.
    5. If neither PIN nor password works, try Safe Mode.
      • On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
      • After restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
      • After the next restart, select 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
      • In Safe Mode, sign in with a password. PIN and biometric sign-in are unavailable there.
    6. If the Microsoft account password is no longer accepted, recover the account password.
      • Use Recover your account.
      • Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name used to sign in.
      • Choose where to receive the security code, enter the code, and create a new password.
      • Double-check the account domain and spelling, and try another alias or phone number if one exists on the account.
    7. If no sign-in method works, recovery or reset may be required.
      • A reset can remove apps and personal files.
      • BitLocker recovery may also require the recovery key.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.