why do you ask for a PIN

Hal Moore 0 Reputation points
2026-10-15T17:50:26.6033333+00:00

Why do you ask for a PIN, I have never had a PIN and use my phone and email and password?

If I don't need one then do not ask for a PIN.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Vikki-T 12,080 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-16T05:57:02.5266667+00:00

    Hi Hal Moore,

    I understand that you would prefer to continue signing in with your password rather than being prompted for a PIN.

    Could you clarify where the PIN request appears: on the Windows sign-in screen, while changing a setting, or when opening a particular app? Also, are you signing in with a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account?

    If this appears on the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and check whether the Password option is available. Once signed in, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Additional settings and check whether “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device” is enabled. If it is, turn it off and check the available sign-in methods again.

    Please let me know what options you see, or share a screenshot with any personal information hidden. This will help to determine why Windows is requesting a PIN on your device. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. AI answer

    2026-10-15T17:50:39.6333333+00:00

    A PIN prompt on a Windows 11 PC is typically for Windows Hello. It is a local sign-in method for that specific device, not the same as an online Microsoft account password.

    Key points:

    • A Windows Hello PIN is set up on the device. It is not automatically assigned.
    • The PIN is local to the device and isn’t used like an online password.
    • It is tied to that hardware, so it can’t be used to sign in from somewhere else.
    • Even if a Microsoft account uses phone, email, password, or passwordless methods, Windows can still use a local PIN for PC sign-in.

    If no PIN was ever created, it may be that:

    • Windows is prompting to set one up, or
    • the device was configured by someone else or by an organization.

    If the goal is to check or manage it:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
    3. Look for PIN (Windows Hello).
    4. From there, Windows may let the PIN be created, changed, or removed depending on how the PC is configured.

    If the PC is managed by a workplace or school, PIN sign-in may be required by policy.

    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.