PIN not recognized on home computer.Asks for admin. I am admin.

Christine Marchell 0 Reputation points
2026-10-03T23:24:39.08+00:00

I’ve been hacked. Changed PW used on desktop. Did not change PIN. (It didn’t suggest it and I didn’t think of it) Now I can’t log in using PW and it doesn’t give me option to switch to using PW. Says an admin needs to unlock computer. But I am the admin and only user on my home desktop.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 77,990 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T02:27:02.0966667+00:00

    Hello,

    Did you remove your device from your Microsoft account, or did you lock it using the “Find my device” feature?

    If you have done either of these, you may receive the error:

    • "An administrator has restricted sign-in. To sign in, make sure your device is connected to the Internet and ask your administrator to sign you in first." (OR)
    • The Device is locked by an Administrator. Have any of the administrators to unlock it.

    If you see the same error, you will no longer be able to sign in to the device without fully resetting your computer. This security feature helps protect your data if the device is lost or stolen. To restore your PC to its factory settings, start it in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

    1. Turn on your computer.
    2. When you see the Computer Manufacturer's logo or the Windows logo, turn off your computer by holding the power button.
    3. Repeat the same process 2-3 times.
    4. On the third time, allow your PC to fully boot into WinRE.
    • Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything, then proceed with a local reinstall.

    Note:

    Running a system recovery will put your device to factory defaults and completely wipe all the data in your HDD.

    Also check the How to help keep your Microsoft account secure article for reference.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-03T23:24:51.7333333+00:00

    If the device shows "an admin needs to unlock this computer" after it was locked through Microsoft’s device-lock feature, there is no direct self-service unlock path from the sign-in screen.

    Available options:

    1. Try other sign-in methods if they appear:
      • On the sign-in screen, look for Sign-in options.
      • If available, select Password instead of PIN.
      • If I forgot my PIN appears, use it to verify the account and create a new PIN.
    2. If the device was locked and only shows the admin-unlock message:
      • The accepted resolution is to reset the PC or perform a clean installation of Windows.
      • Warning: a clean installation deletes files, apps, and settings. Reset this PC may offer an option to keep personal files, depending on what recovery options are available.
    3. To start Reset this PC from the sign-in screen:
      • Hold Shift.
      • Select Power > Restart while continuing to hold Shift.
      • In Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
    4. If the PIN issue started after an update and the device is not actually locked by the device-lock feature:
      • If prompted to create a PIN again, try creating it again.
      • For PIN creation errors, sign out and sign back in, then try creating the PIN again.

    Microsoft support cannot send password reset links or change account details.

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

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