Updated BIOS firmware, unable to set-up new PIN, not receiving codes via SMS

Andrew Gush 0 Reputation points
2026-09-20T09:48:56.51+00:00

Hi team

I updated my BIOS firmware earlier tonight and it's disabled the existing PIN for my main user which has all my files etc.

The phone number displayed looks correct (last two digits at least), but I'm not receiving any codes via SMS so that option isn't working.

The alternative option, the email address, is not one I'm familiar with so I don't know the password, but it's certainly one that would presumably be for me since it's my name @outlook.com

Any guidance or suggestions would be super appreciated, thanks heaps!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 77,000 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-20T11:13:09.39+00:00

    Hello,

    Check whether your phone is blocking text messages from unknown numbers.

    Then, go to your Microsoft account's Security Settings page and check whether you can sign in.

    During sign-in, check whether you can receive the SMS verification code requested online.

    • Connect your phone or PC to your mobile data network. Then, open a web browser and sign in to the Security Settings page using the link below using a private browsing tab:
    • https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage

    If you can sign in successfully using a verification code, add another sign-in or verification method to your account. You can then use that method during the PIN reset process to set up your PIN again.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-20T09:49:10.3933333+00:00

    A BIOS update can trigger a Windows Hello PIN reset because the TPM that stores PIN-related data may have changed. In this situation, the practical path is:

    1. Stop repeatedly requesting SMS codes. Excessive or repetitive requests can cause Microsoft to temporarily stop sending verification codes.
    2. Check common SMS delivery blockers:
      • Make sure the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
      • If available on the sign-in flow, choose I don't have a code to request another one.
      • Check whether the phone inbox is full or the messaging app is malfunctioning.
      • If the number is a VOIP number, it cannot be used for verification codes; a mobile number is required.
    3. Since the email option shown is not recognized, verify whether the account recovery information is outdated. If access to the listed phone or email is no longer possible, on the verification screen select I don't have any of these and follow the prompts to replace the security information.
    4. Be aware of the account impact: if all previous security info is replaced with new information, the account can be placed in a restricted state for 30 days before the PIN can be reset.
    5. If immediate access to the PC is required, the remaining documented option is to fully factory reset the PC from Windows Recovery Environment and sign in with a different account. This is destructive and can wipe data on the device.

    If the issue is only code delivery, also confirm the security info is correct by signing in to the Security basics page and selecting Update info.

    References:

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

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