PC PIN code recovery

A Find My Device remote lock has no documented remote “unlock” action, so the file-preserving recovery path is Reset this PC → Keep my files from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). ^1^

Reset Windows while retaining personal files

Before starting, retrieve the BitLocker recovery key because WinRE may require it if device encryption is enabled:

1. On another device, open https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account used on the Lenovo.
3. Save the matching 48-digit recovery key. Microsoft Support cannot recreate a missing key. ^2^

Then reset the laptop:

1. At the PIN screen, select the Power icon.
2. Hold down Shift and select Restart. Keep holding Shift until the blue Choose an option screen appears.
3. Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
4. Select Keep my files—do not choose Remove everything.
5. Choose:
   • Cloud download for a fresh Windows copy; connect to the internet.
   • Local reinstall if internet access is unavailable.
6. Follow the prompts and enter the BitLocker recovery key if requested.
7. Do not force-restart the laptop during the reset, even if the screen remains black for an extended period.

Keep my files reinstalls Windows and preserves personal files such as documents and photos, but it removes installed applications and resets settings. ^3^

One last non-destructive sign-in check

Since PIN recovery already loops, do not repeat I forgot my PIN. If Sign-in options appears below the PIN box:

1. Connect the laptop to Wi-Fi or Ethernet from the network icon.
2. Select Sign-in options → key/password icon.
3. Enter the current Microsoft account password—not the rejected PIN.

Windows supports password sign-in for a Microsoft account unless the device is configured to allow only Windows Hello. ^4^ If the password icon is absent or returns to the PIN screen, proceed with Keep my files.

If Shift + Restart does not open WinRE

Create Windows installation or Lenovo recovery media on another computer, boot the laptop from that USB, and enter the recovery environment. An exact PIN-loop case recommends bootable media when normal WinRE access fails. ^5^

Avoid proceeding with a clean installation unless the files are backed up elsewhere: reinstalling from installation media as a last resort can remove everything. ^6^

References

1. Locked out by admin. - Microsoft Q&A
2. Find your BitLocker recovery key | Microsoft Support
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/backup-recovery/reset-your-pc#reset-steps)
4. User Account Access in Windows | Microsoft Support
5. [Win 11] Stuck in PIN setup loop after resetting in Settings - Microsoft Q&A
6. Recovery options in Windows