How do I reset my PC pin if I know my password?

Diane Bates 0 Reputation points
2026-11-09T05:07:56.1866667+00:00

I've forgotten my pin but I still know my password. I want to reset my pin.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 79,830 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-09T06:28:24.7266667+00:00

    Hello,

    1. Are you signed in to your device with a local account or a Microsoft account?
    2. Can you sign in to your device with your password, or are you stuck at the sign-in screen with only the PIN option available?
    3. What happens when you try to reset your PIN?

    Select the 'I forgot my PIN' option on the sign-in screen and follow the prompts to reset it.

    or, if you signed in, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-09T05:08:17.3366667+00:00

    Sign in with your password, then reset the forgotten PIN from Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello) → I forgot my PIN.^1^

    Reset the PIN

    1. On the Windows 11 sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
    2. Select the password icon, then enter your Microsoft-account or local-account password.
    3. After reaching the desktop, open Start → Settings.
    4. Select Accounts → Sign-in options.
    5. Expand PIN (Windows Hello).
    6. Select I forgot my PIN.
    7. Follow the identity-verification prompts and create a new PIN.

    Do not select Change PIN because that path requires the old PIN.

    Reset it directly from the sign-in screen

    If I forgot my PIN appears below the PIN box, select it and follow the prompts. This option is available for Microsoft accounts, but not local accounts.

    For a local account, select Sign-in options → Enter your password, sign in, and reset the PIN through Settings using the steps above.^1^

    The Windows Hello PIN is device-specific and is separate from your Microsoft-account password.

    References

    1. Change or reset your PIN in Windows | Microsoft Support
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