Log In Problem

At the Windows 10 sign-in screen, bypass the failing PIN-reset prompt by selecting Sign-in options → Password, sign in with your Microsoft-account password, and then recreate the Windows Hello PIN from Settings.

Sign in without resetting the PIN

1. On the lock screen, select Sign-in options below the PIN box.
2. Select the Password icon, typically shaped like a key.
3. Enter the password for the Microsoft account shown on the screen—not the PIN or emailed verification code.
4. Press Enter.

A Windows Hello PIN is specific to the device and is different from the Microsoft-account password. Windows 10 supports using the password as an alternative sign-in method.^1^

If this is a local account rather than a Microsoft account, use that local account’s password. If necessary, select Reset password and answer the security questions created for that account.^1^

Repair the PIN after reaching the desktop

Since the sign-in-screen reset and emailed-code process already fails, do not repeat that loop. Once signed in with the password:

1. Open Start → Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
2. Expand Windows Hello PIN.
3. Select I forgot my PIN and complete verification to create a new PIN.^1^
4. Restart the laptop and test the new PIN.

If Remove is offered instead, select Remove, restart Windows, and return to the same page to set up a new PIN. This manual removal-and-recreation path has resolved cases where the sign-in-screen Forgot PIN process did not work.^2^

Also install any pending Windows updates after gaining access. Microsoft notes that repeated requests to create a PIN can follow security updates or system changes.^3^

If the password option is missing or fails

Try Safe Mode only as a fallback; PIN and biometric sign-in are unavailable there, so the account password is required:

1. At the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power → Restart.
2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Sign in using the account password.
5. Restart normally, sign in with the password, and repair the PIN through Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.^4^

Do not use registry-editing instructions for this problem unless directed by Microsoft Support; an incorrect offline registry change can make Windows unbootable.

If neither normal password sign-in nor Safe Mode works, use Contact Microsoft Support, enter the sign-in/PIN problem, select Get Help, and then Contact Support. Support cannot bypass account security or change account details, but it can assist with Windows recovery.^1^

References

1. Change or reset your PIN in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Why can’t I log in using my PIN - Microsoft Q&A
3. Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips
4. Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows | Microsoft Support