Bypassing the usb security key

manuel guerreno 0 Reputation points
2026-03-24T15:50:46.8533333+00:00

So my pc just downloaded windows 10 and im trying to set up a pin but its asking me to insert a usb security key but i do not have one is there a way to bypass it

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in

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  1. Norah-L 13,140 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-25T04:43:12.7633333+00:00

    Welcome manuel guerreno!

    Thank you for reaching out. From what you described, when you set up a PIN after installing Windows 10, the system asks for a USB security key that you don’t have.

    Typically, Windows 10 Home does not require a USB security key for PIN setup. A standard Windows Hello PIN is stored locally on the device, while a USB security key is tied to the Microsoft account. To get around this behavior, you can try the following methods:

    Method 1: Turn off passwordless or security‑key sign‑in on your Microsoft account

    If you can access your Microsoft account on another device (phone, another PC, or a browser):

    1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security
    2. Sign in to your Microsoft account
    3. Open Advanced security options
    4. Find Security keys and remove any listed key (if present)
    5. Check whether passwordless sign‑in is enabled and turn it off

    After completing these steps, restart the PC, sign in again, and try setting up the PIN.

    Method 2: Use another verification method (if available)

    When the security key prompt appears:

    1. Look for More sign‑in options or Use another method
    2. If available, choose an alternate option such as:
      • Microsoft Authenticator
      • A one‑time code sent by text or email
    3. Complete verification and continue setting up Windows

    Method 3: Complete setup with a local account

    If the prompt keeps looping or you cannot switch methods:

    1. On the Microsoft account sign‑in screen, disconnect from the Internet (turn off Wi‑Fi or unplug Ethernet)
    2. Click Back
    3. Select I don’t have Internet
    4. Choose Continue with limited setup
    5. Create a local account and set up a PIN

    Once setup is complete, reconnect to the Internet and add your Microsoft account later from Settings.

    Hope this method could help. Please let me know how it goes!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-24T15:51:02.33+00:00

    Windows Hello PIN setup can be completed without a USB security key; the prompt appears only if a security key sign-in method is being configured instead of a normal PIN.

    Use one of these approaches:

    1. Set up a normal Windows Hello PIN (no security key)
      • On the sign-in screen, choose the option to sign in with the account password instead of PIN.
      • After signing in, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
      • Under PIN (Windows Hello), choose Set up and follow the instructions. Do not select Security Key in this flow.
    2. If the flow is stuck on “Security Key”
      • On the sign-in or setup page, look for a link such as Sign-in options, Use Windows Hello or security key instead, or Sign in another way and select it.
      • Choose Password (or another method like Authenticator app, text, or phone call if already configured) to complete sign-in.
      • Then open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and configure a PIN under PIN (Windows Hello), not under Security Key.
    3. If a security key was intentionally added earlier
      • Sign in using another method (password, Authenticator app, text, or phone call).
      • Go to the Microsoft account page > Security > Advanced security options.
      • Under Ways to prove who you are, remove any security key sign-in methods if they are forcing that flow.

    Security keys (FIDO2) are optional hardware for sign-in and two-factor verification; they are not required to use a standard Windows Hello PIN. If a security key is not available, always switch to another verification method (password, Authenticator app, text, or phone call) using the Sign in another way or Sign-in options link, then configure the PIN from within Windows after signing in.

    References:

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

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