PC PIN code recovery

Ahmad Thaibesh 0 Reputation points
2026-11-09T01:11:17.2466667+00:00

remotely locked my Lenovo Windows 11 laptop through Microsoft Find My Device. I have recovered the laptop, but it only displays a PIN box. My original PIN is rejected, and PIN recovery does not work. I can access my Microsoft account. I need to restore sign-in without deleting my files. I tried all possible way but it goes back to the box pin screen without allowing changing or recover the PIM

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 79,830 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-09T02:59:13.93+00:00

    Hello,

    The “Find My Device Lock” feature helps protect your device if it’s lost or stolen. When you lock your device, Windows blocks the sign-in to help keep your data safe from unauthorized access.

    If you’ve recovered your device,

    Unfortunately, you won’t be able to sign in again unless you reset your PC to its factory settings. To do this, boot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

    1. Turn on your computer.
    2. When you see your PC manufacturer's logo or the Windows logo, turn off your computer by holding the power button on the device.
    3. Repeat the same process 2-3 times.
    4. The next time, allow your PC to fully boot into WinRE.
    5. From the WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove Everything and proceed with Local reinstallation.

    Note: Your computer will be restored to its original factory state, and all data will be erased from the HDD.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-09T01:12:11.37+00:00

    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
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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