How can I change my PIN

Gill Wilson 0 Reputation points
2026-11-04T13:45:12.3566667+00:00

I would like to use a PIN to log into my laptop. However, I have not set one up but there appears to be one; how can I change the number if I do not know the original one?

Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. SD - IA 182.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-05T15:01:32.8133333+00:00

    Hi,

    I am sorry that the steps did not resolve the issue. Please let me know which steps you completed, what happened afterward, and whether you received any error messages.

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  2. SD - IA 182.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-04T14:27:45.5233333+00:00

    Hi,

    Follow this guide:

    1. On the Windows sign-in screen, click Sign-in options.
    2. Select the Password icon and sign in using your account password.
    3. Once signed in, press Windows + I to open Settings.
    4. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options.
    5. Expand PIN (Windows Hello) and click I forgot my PIN.
    6. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and set up a new PIN.
    7. Once completed, restart your computer and sign in using the newly created PIN.

    Change or reset your PIN in Windows

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/change-or-reset-your-pin-in-windows

    I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-11-04T13:45:27.7633333+00:00

    If the current PIN is unknown, it must be reset rather than changed.

    If already signed in:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
    3. Select PIN (Windows Hello).
    4. Select I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts to verify the account and create a new PIN.

    If not signed in:

    1. On the Windows sign-in screen, look below the PIN box.
    2. Select I forgot my PIN if it appears, then follow the instructions.
    3. If I forgot my PIN is not available, select Sign-in options and sign in with the account password instead, then reset the PIN from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

    Important:

    • Change PIN requires the old PIN.
    • The Windows sign-in PIN is different from the Microsoft account password.
    • The I forgot my PIN option on the sign-in screen is available for Microsoft accounts, not local accounts.
    • If the password is also forgotten, reset the password first, then reset the PIN.

    To set up Windows Hello after that:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
    3. Under Ways to sign in, select PIN (Windows Hello) and choose Set up.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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