At the Windows 10 sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and use the account password instead of the incorrect PIN; the PIN and Microsoft account password are different credentials.^1^
1. Try signing in with your password
- Connect the laptop to the internet using the Network/Wi-Fi icon in the lower-right corner.
- Select Sign-in options below the PIN box.
- Select the key/password icon.
- Enter the password:
- If the screen shows an email address, enter that Microsoft account's password.
- If it is a local Windows account, enter its local password.
- After reaching the desktop, open: Start → Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Windows Hello PIN.
- Select I forgot my PIN and create a new PIN.^1^
2. If you also forgot the password
For a Microsoft account:
- Select I forgot my password on the sign-in screen; or
- From another phone or computer, use Microsoft's Reset password page.
After resetting it, return to the laptop, connect it to the internet, and sign in with the new password.^1^
For a local account:
- Switch to the password entry option.
- Enter a password once, then select OK → Reset password.
- Answer the security questions created when the account was set up.
- If previously created, a password-reset disk can also be used.^1^
3. If the verification code does not arrive
Since requesting another code has already failed:
- Check the junk/spam folder for mail from
@accountprotection.microsoft.com. - Check the exact masked email address or final two phone-number digits shown on the screen.
- If available, choose another verification method such as alternate email.
- Ensure the phone accepts messages from unknown numbers and that its inbox is not full.
- Avoid repeatedly requesting codes. Excessive requests can cause a temporary block; wait at least 24 hours before trying again.^2^
If you have lost access to every listed email address and phone number, select I don't have any of these when offered and follow the account-security replacement process. Microsoft states that replacing all security information can impose a 30-day wait.^2^
4. Last resort: reset Windows from the sign-in screen
Use this only if neither the PIN nor password/account recovery works. Resetting reinstalls Windows and removes applications and settings; Remove everything also deletes personal files.
- On the sign-in screen, hold down Shift.
- While holding Shift, select Power → Restart.
- When Choose an option appears, select: Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
- Choose:
- Keep my files — preserves personal files but removes installed applications and settings.
- Remove everything — deletes personal files, applications, accounts, and settings.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall, then follow the instructions.^3^
Do not force the laptop off during the reset, even if the screen stays black for several minutes.
If Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key, resetting or accessing the encrypted drive may require its 48-digit key. From another device, sign in to the Microsoft account where the key was saved and match it using the key ID shown on the laptop. Microsoft Support cannot recreate a missing BitLocker key.^4^
References