Locked out of windows 10 laptop only asks for pin on sign in screen? Won't accept Pin.

Dave Crosier 0 Reputation points
2026-10-28T15:15:56.9133333+00:00

I would like to speak to a live agent to reset pin on personal Windows 10 laptop. Locked out of sign in screen and only ask for PIN.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. Manoel Barros 23,275 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-28T16:14:38.9233333+00:00

    Hi!

    There are no Microsoft employees on this forum—only users like yourself and moderators. In any case, even a Microsoft employee would not be able to reset your PIN; it is unique to your computer, and only you can reset it.

    Please provide more details so I can try to assist you.

    Is the PIN you usually use not being accepted?

    What is the exact error message that appears?

    Have you tried another authentication method, such as facial recognition, a fingerprint, or your account password? Click on "Sign-in options" below the password/PIN field to see if any other options work.

    Did this issue occur after replacing a computer component or performing an update?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-28T15:16:12.6766667+00:00

    If the sign-in screen only shows PIN, use Sign-in options on the lock screen and switch to Password if that option is available. Then sign in with the account password and reset the PIN afterward.

    If I forgot my PIN appears under the PIN box, select it and follow the prompts to reset the PIN. If there are multiple accounts on the device, choose the correct one. For Microsoft accounts, this option is available from the sign-in screen.

    If I forgot my PIN is not available, sign in with the password instead:

    1. On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
    2. Select Enter your password or the password icon.
    3. After signing in, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
    4. Select PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN and complete the reset.

    If both the PIN and password are forgotten:

    • For a Microsoft account, use I forgot my password on the sign-in screen, or Sign-in options > Web sign-in > Forgot my password.
    • For a local account, select the password entry button, then OK > Reset password, and answer the security questions.

    A restart can also help with sign-in issues before trying the reset steps.

    For live support on a personal Windows 10 device, use Contact Microsoft Support.

    References:

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

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