Trouble logging in

Question

Trouble logging in

ojo 0

I couldn't log into my laptop using my PIN after an update from the hardware company. I asked for a one time pass code to be texted to my mobile, which arrived. However, when I entered the pass code, the Microsoft login system told me it was wrong, several times. Why is this, and how can I address this the next time my laptop goes through an update?

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Manoel Barros 23,275 Independent Advisor

Hi!

What exactly did you mean by "update from the hardware company"? Was a BIOS update performed, or was a component replaced? Who carried this out—the company you work for, a service center, or the store where you purchased the computer?

It is important to know exactly what was done so that I can provide the best possible assistance.

ojo 0 Reputation points

2026-10-22T06:06:23.04+00:00

It was a BIOS update.
Manoel Barros 23,275 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-22T23:22:25.4433333+00:00
You’re having trouble signing in with your password, right?

Since your BIOS was updated, it likely reset the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) within the BIOS—and your PIN relies on the TPM to store your credentials securely.

Access your device’s BIOS and check the following:

Turn off your computer > Then turn it back on > Immediately press the F2 key until you enter the BIOS.

Keep pressing the key until the BIOS interface appears or a message such as "Entering Setup" is displayed.

Some computers use different keys to access the BIOS. You can also try: DEL (DELETE), ESC, F4, or F10.

Once in the BIOS, check if the date and time are correct.

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to locate the "TPM 2.0" and "Secure Boot" options. Ensure that both are set to "Enabled."

The BIOS interface may vary depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard or laptop.

If either option is disabled, press the ENTER key while the option is selected > Choose "Enabled" > Press the F10 key > Select "Save and Exit."

If the F10 key does not work, look for an option labeled "Save and Exit."

Answer 2

A one-time code can be rejected even when it arrives because the sign-in system may temporarily block or distrust the verification attempt. The documented causes include:

Unusual activity detection after repeated sign-in or verification attempts.
Too many code requests to the same phone or alternate method.
Temporary protection blocks caused by compromised traffic from a geographic region.
For Windows sign-in issues after updates, the update can also leave the PIN unavailable, which forces a new verification flow.

What to do when this happens:

Stop repeated attempts. Repeated retries can extend the block.
Try another verification method if one is available, such as another security method already on the account.
Try another network by switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or using a different Wi‑Fi network.
Wait before retrying. A day may be enough; if not, wait longer, up to a week.
If the PIN is unavailable after an update, on the sign-in screen select Sign-in options and use the password option if it appears. After signing in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and reset the PIN.
If already signed in later and the PIN needs to be changed or recreated, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello). Use Change PIN if the old PIN works, or I forgot my PIN if it does not.

To reduce the chance of this happening after a future update:

Keep more than one verification method on the account so there is a fallback.
Avoid requesting multiple codes in a short period.
If unrequested codes are ever received, do not respond to them.
Consider using passwordless options such as Windows Hello, Microsoft Authenticator, SMS/email codes, or a security key.

Important: changing all security info at the same time can restrict the account for 30 days.